Taiwan activists demand Japan apologise for forcing women to work in its wartime brothels
Record ID:
1427131
Taiwan activists demand Japan apologise for forcing women to work in its wartime brothels
- Title: Taiwan activists demand Japan apologise for forcing women to work in its wartime brothels
- Date: 14th August 2019
- Summary: TAIPEI, TAIWAN (AUGUST 14, 2019) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS HOLDING SIGNS AND SHOUTING (Mandarin): "JAPANESE GOVERNMENT, COME OUT" AND "APOLOGISE" PROTESTERS GATHERED IN FRONT OF JAPAN'S DE FACTO EMBASSY IN TAIPEI NAMEPLATE READING (Chinese and English): "TAIPEI OFFICE JAPAN TAIWAN EXCHANGE ASSOCIATION" POLICE OFFICERS LOOKING ON ORGANISERS INCLUDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TAIPEI WOMEN'S RESCUE FOUNDATION, CHING FAN, SHOUTING SLOGANS PROTESTERS DEMONSTRATING FAN SPEAKING TO MEDIA (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TAIPEI WOMEN'S RESCUE FOUNDATION, CHING FAN, SAYING: "What importance does the memory (of forced sex labourers) have? It is actually supposed to be a reminder for people all over the world today and in the future, hoping that this kind of thing will never happen again. Why did we come to the Japan Taiwan Exchange Association today to stage this continuous protest and make demands against Japan's government? Because the Japanese government doesn't admit to this part of history and is therefore unable to learn the lesson, making it possible that this kind of thing will keep happening. Actually, I shouldn't say possible as we can see women being victimised today in war zones all over the world today."
- Embargoed: 28th August 2019 06:41
- Keywords: Taiwan Taipei Japan apology demand wartime brothels protest
- Location: TAIPEI, TAIWAN
- City: TAIPEI, TAIWAN
- Country: Taiwan
- Topics: Society/Social Issues
- Reuters ID: LVA001AS6UL3B
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Dozens of activists joined a protest in front of Japan's de facto embassy in Taipei on Wednesday (August 14), demanding an official formal apology and monetary compensation for the Taiwanese 'comfort women' who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels.
"Comfort women" is a euphemism for girls and women forced to work in Japan's wartime brothels during the second world war. As many of the women would be in their 80s and 90s, most of them have already passed away. Currently, there are only two Taiwanese former "comfort women" still alive, according to activists.
Organiser of the demonstration and executive director of Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation, Ching Fan, told media that "the Japanese government doesn't admit to this part of history and is therefore unable to learn the lesson."
Police equipped with riot gear could be seen guarding the entrance to the embassy building and monitoring the protest closely.
(Production: Fabian Hamacher) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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