Human Rights Watch condemned Chinese authorities on Friday for launching a separatism probe into Taiwanese lawmaker Puma Shen Pao-Yang, marking the first known case under Beijing's new judicial rules aimed at Taiwan independence advocates. The Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau opened its inquiry based on his involvement in creating Kuma Academy, which mainland officials label as a group promoting Taiwanese separation.
China has claimed control over Taiwan since 1949 despite never governing the island, which functions as an independent democracy with separate courts and political structures. Maya Wang from Human Rights Watch said Beijing is attempting to silence Taiwanese residents by imposing its legal system beyond its actual territory. The legislator already faced sanctions in October 2024 that barred him and his relatives from entering China and later affected his father's company.
Other Taiwanese nationals have received harsh penalties, with activist Yang Chih-yuan drawing a nine-year term in August 2024 and publisher Li Yanhe getting three years this past February. While Shen lives in Taiwan and would face trial without being present, the charges threaten execution for severe offenses and possible detention in other nations.
China has claimed control over Taiwan since 1949 despite never governing the island, which functions as an independent democracy with separate courts and political structures. Maya Wang from Human Rights Watch said Beijing is attempting to silence Taiwanese residents by imposing its legal system beyond its actual territory. The legislator already faced sanctions in October 2024 that barred him and his relatives from entering China and later affected his father's company.
Other Taiwanese nationals have received harsh penalties, with activist Yang Chih-yuan drawing a nine-year term in August 2024 and publisher Li Yanhe getting three years this past February. While Shen lives in Taiwan and would face trial without being present, the charges threaten execution for severe offenses and possible detention in other nations.
