TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Academia Historica will hold a book launch for its new five-volume compendium about pro-democracy activist Nylon Cheng (鄭南榕) on Freedom of Speech Day, April 7.
The institute said in a press release that its team compiled archival materials from agencies such as the National Security Bureau, Investigation Bureau, Taipei City Police Department, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the book, titled “Postwar Taiwan Political Cases: A Compilation of Historical Materials on the Cheng Nan-jung Case.”
Cheng actively participated in the Tangwai democratic movement, which advocated an end to KMT one-party rule, free and fair elections, and human rights. On March 12, 1984, he published the first issue of Freedom Era Weekly.
On April 7, 1989, Cheng became the subject of an investigation by the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office after his magazine Freedom Era Weekly published political activist Hsu Shih-kai’s (許世楷) “Draft Constitution for Taiwan.” Hsu outlined a vision for Taiwan as a sovereign, independent nation separate from the Republic of China.
When prosecutors attempted to arrest him that day, Cheng refused to surrender and self-immolated as a final act in support of freedom of speech.
Academia Historica said the documents it compiled cover five themes: Cheng’s magazine operations; his participation in the Tangwai Editors and Writers Association and the Taiwan Democratic Party founding committee; the three major movements he led — the May 19 Green Action, 228 Peace Day, and the New Nation Movement; his self-immolation; and the funeral and memorial activities following his death.
The book shows how Cheng Nan-jung challenged taboos on discussing martial law, party bans, the 228 Incident, and even Taiwan independence, Academia Historica said.
