The Effects of Incarceration on the Mental and Physical Health of Former President Chen Shui-Bian of Taiwan

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, as a strong supporter of Taiwan and a founding member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I would like to bring to your attention an issue of concern to Taiwanese Americans and the people of Taiwan.

The former President of Taiwan, Mr. Chen Shui-Bian, is currently serving a 19-year prison sentence for corruption charges. He has been incarcerated for over 1,200 days thus far. Today, I am inserting into the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD a summary report drafted by a three-man medical team led by former professor Joseph Lin, Ph.D., and professors of the University of California at Davis Medical Center, Ken Yoneda, M.D., and Charles Whitcomb, M.D., who visited Mr. Chen Shui-Bian in jail in Taiwan last month in their capacity as private citizens. The report is titled, ``The Effects of Incarceration on the Mental and Physical Health of Former President Chen Shui-Bian of Taiwan.''

These medical professionals traveled to Taiwan in June 2012 to assess President Chen's physical and mental condition, and to inquire into reports of inhumane living conditions and confinement. The physicians concluded that President Chen's imprisonment conditions are contributing to President Chen's health problems. In their recommendations the report concludes: ``Former President Chen Shui-Bian [should] be released from confinement on medical parole based on the above assessments, conclusion and recommendations, and on compelling humanitarian grounds.''

I am entering this report into the Congressional Record and, in light of the conclusions, ask that the distinguished Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission investigate this important case at its earliest convenience.

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