Beijing targets ‘die-hard Taiwan separatists’ in guideline for secession cases

Mainland authorities say the death penalty could apply to convictions in extreme instances

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Mainland authorities say it is “reasonable and lawful” to punish “Taiwan independence” separatists. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 9:47pm, 21 Jun 2024

“Taiwan independence” separatists could face the death penalty in extreme secession cases, according to a judicial guideline released by Beijing on Friday.

The guidance was effective immediately and released jointly by the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, and the ministries of public security, state security, and justice.

It said that those who organised, planned or commanded separatist activities, or those who were directly involved in carrying out the activities, could be jailed for between 10 years to life.

Those cases deemed to have “severely endangered the state and the people” could warrant the death penalty, the document said.

Individuals who take part in multiple separatist activities, play major roles or aide leaders of such activities could be jailed for up to 10 years.

03:03

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The guideline comes into effect one month after the inauguration of William Lai Ching-te as Taiwan’s new leader, a man Beijing has branded as an “obstinate separatist”.