TAIPEI, Taiwan – Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has apologized over the death of a 24-year-old soldier who was being punished in a military brig.
Wednesday's apology is the latest twist in a saga that has set off a wave of anger on this democratic island, further undermining Ma's already low popularity, and raising hard questions about the future of the island's military.
Hung Chung-chiu died on July 3 after being forced to perform a vigorous regime of sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks and squats in sweltering heat at a base in suburban Taipei.
A university graduate, Hung was only three days away from completing his mandatory 20-month service requirement when he died. His punishment was ordered because he brought a banned cell phone onto his base.
