Only an international “coalition of friends” can bring justice to the suffering Tai Ji Men dizi.
by Willy Fautré
*A paper presented at the webinar “No Peace Without Justice: A New Look at the Tai Ji Men Case,” co-organized by CESNUR and Human Rights Without Frontiers on April 24, 2024, UN International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.
An article already published in Bitter Winter on May 1st, 2024.
Today is the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. This day was established on 12 December 2018 through a UN resolution and was first observed on 24 April 2019.
In the grand tapestry of human history, the pursuit of peace has been a central, if elusive, endeavor. From ancient civilizations to modern nation-states, societies have grappled with conflict, seeking pathways to harmony and stability. Yet, amidst this quest, one fundamental truth emerges: there can be no lasting peace without justice.
In the case of Tai Ji Men, there is no peace of mind among the dozens of thousands of dizi who have been unsuccessfully calling for justice for almost 28 years.
Justice, in its essence, embodies the equitable treatment of all individuals within a society. Rooted in moral and ethical principles, it seeks to uphold rights, promote equality, and rectify injustices. At its core lies the recognition of human dignity and the inherent worth of every person.
History bears witness to the transformative power of justice in shaping societies. Movements for civil rights have challenged entrenched systems of oppression, paving the way for progress and reconciliation. The pursuit of justice is not merely a lofty ideal but a tangible force driving social change and collective advancement. This is what Tai Ji Men is contributing to with its fight for full justice.
The interplay between justice and peace is deeply intertwined, each reinforcing and sustaining the other. Peace between countries and social peace at home devoid of justice are fragile, built on a foundation of inequality and exclusion. History is replete with examples of ostensibly peaceful societies marred by simmering grievances and systemic injustices, which finally erupt into conflict.
Despite the inherent synergy between justice and peace, realizing this vision faces formidable challenges because entrenched power structures, corruption, and impunity obstruct the path to justice.
The treatment of Tai Ji Men by the successive governments of Taiwan is indicative that their lack of political will and courage to deliver justice in their situation is most probably not limited to their case. The Tai Ji Men case is a visible sign that reveals a deeper problem, which may lead to the formation of pockets of social discontentment, tensions, and divisions in Taiwan.
Conversely, justice serves as a catalyst for peace, addressing the root causes of discord and fostering inclusive societies. When individuals and social groups perceive fairness in the access to opportunities and the fair administration of laws, they are more likely to trust institutions and cooperate with them. This trust forms the bedrock of social cohesion and peaceful coexistence. This is the purpose of Tai Ji Men: social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
Addressing global injustices requires collective action and solidarity. It demands a commitment to upholding human rights, promoting equity, and combating discrimination in all its forms. Only through concerted efforts can justice be achieved.
In their fight for justice, the legal channels, public demonstrations, protests, and petitions that the Tai Ji Men leadership has used for years have shown their limits. The imperative for justice extends beyond national borders. Alone, Tai Ji Men cannot be successful in combating administrative stubbornness and harassment, discrimination, and denial of full justice in Taiwan.
A second breath to continue the fight can only come from the support of an extended coalition beyond the borders of Taiwan. This strategy put in place with international think tanks, human rights NGOs, legal experts, and scholars in religious studies has been active for several years now. One of the main results is that the Tai Ji Men case has been put under the scrutiny of major influential US institutions in Washington defending freedom of religion or belief.
It is only through the pressure of an international coalition of friends of Taiwan that a political decision in Taipei can now be forced to put an end to the unresolved case of Tai Ji Men, which worriedly tarnishes the image of the country abroad. The final decision of the Supreme Court on 13 July 2007 confirming that Dr. Hong and his co-defendants were innocent of all charges, including tax evasion, was a moral victory but it was never fully implemented as an act of justice and the consequences have been disastrous for Tai Ji Men, such as the confiscation of parts of their property. The more justice has been delayed, the more it has been denied, and this must stop.