Riot police have violently cleared hundreds of protesters who attempted to occupy Taiwan’s Executive Yuan (cabinet building), resulting in over 150 injuries in the worst police violence since Taiwan’s democratization. The crackdown marks a dangerous escalation in the Sunflower Movement crisis.
Occupation Attempt
On Sunday evening, protesters expanded their actions:
- Over 1,000 attempt to occupy Executive Yuan
- Motivated by government’s refusal to meet demands
- Successfully breach building at 8 PM
- Call for general strike gains momentum
Violent Clearance
Graphic content: Police violence against peaceful protesters documented extensively
At 4 AM Monday, riot police moved in with force:
- Water cannons deployed in freezing temperatures
- Batons used against seated protesters
- Shields used to strike students
- Medical volunteers also attacked
Casualty Reports
The violence resulted in:
- Over 150 injured, dozens hospitalized
- Head injuries from police batons
- Multiple fractures reported
- Medical stations overwhelmed
Public Outrage
The crackdown triggers widespread condemnation:
- Live streams show police brutality
- International media covers violence
- Civil society groups demand investigation
- Calls for Premier Jiang Yi-huah’s resignation
Government Justification
Premier Jiang Yi-huah defends the action:
- Claims “illegal occupation” justified force
- Denies excessive violence occurred
- Blames “radical elements” among protesters
- Refuses to apologize or resign
Movement Strengthened
Paradoxically, the violence strengthens support:
- Public sympathy shifts decisively to students
- More citizens join legislature occupation
- Donation and supplies increase
- International attention intensifies
Political Ramifications
The crackdown’s effects:
- Ma administration’s legitimacy questioned
- Police brutality becomes rallying cry
- Moderate voices now support protesters
- Government’s hardline approach backfires
International Response
Global concern grows:
- Human rights organizations condemn violence
- US expresses concern about “excessive force”
- Taiwanese diaspora organizes solidarity rallies
- Democratic values of Taiwan questioned
The Executive Yuan violence becomes a turning point, transforming the Sunflower Movement from a student protest into a broad democratic uprising against authoritarian tendencies.