Taiwan election body blocks caning referendum over human rights concerns

Taiwan's Central Election Commission ruled on Friday against allowing a referendum on the controversial proposal, which had cleared parliament with backing for introducing caning as punishment for offences including sexual assault and fraud.

The commission determined that holding such a vote would contradict Taiwan's commitments under international human rights conventions, effectively blocking the measure from proceeding to a public ballot.

The decision represents a significant setback for lawmakers who had pushed the referendum proposal through the legislative process. Proponents of the measure had argued that corporal punishment could serve as a deterrent for serious crimes and provide an alternative to imprisonment.

Taiwan has previously faced scrutiny from international human rights organisations over various criminal justice practices, and the commission's ruling reflects the government's continued alignment with global standards on the treatment of prisoners and criminal penalties.

The rejection underscores ongoing tensions in Taiwan between calls for stricter crime deterrents and the island's international commitments on fundamental human rights protections.