2/17/2019 Taiwan defence minister resigns amid conscription death row - BBC News

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Taiwan defence minister resigns amid conscription death row

29 July 2013

AP

Taiwan's defence minister has resigned following the death of a young conscript in the
military.

Hung Chung-chiu died after suffering from heatstroke on 3 July. He had been forced to
undergo vigorous exercises and solitary confinement.

The 24-year-old was being punished for taking a mobile phone with a camera onto a military
base.

Former minister Kao Hua-chu has been replaced by Andrew Yang, the first civilian to head up
the department.

Announcing the reshuffle at a press conference on Monday, Taiwan Premier Jiang Yi-huah
said: "The reshuffle is aimed at responding to the general public's expectations."

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2/17/2019 Taiwan defence minister resigns amid conscription death row - BBC News

Mr Jiang did not elaborate on the reasons behind Mr Kao's resignation.

Hung Chung-chiu's death sparked an outcry on the island, with thousands of protesters
demanding an investigation.

Four military officers have been detained as part of an investigation into the incident, reports
say.

Mr Hung was three days away from completing his compulsory one-year military service when
he died.

All Taiwanese men aged between 18 and 36 are required to complete one year's military
service, although there are plans to move to an all-volunteer force.

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