Taiwan protesters demand justice for dead corporal
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Thousands of protesters rallied in Taipei to demand justice for a corporal who died after allegedly being abused in the military, in a case that sparked anger across Taiwan.
Demonstrators, holding placards reading "Murder" and "We want the truth", gathered outside the defence ministry two weeks after Hung Chung-chiu died of heatstroke apparently caused by being forced to exercise excessively.
Several sang songs mocking the military while others made a show of drinking bottled water -- a reference to the fact Hung's superiors reportedly refused to give him water despite his repeated requests.
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"So many people come here today to demand truth," Hung's uncle, Hu Shih-ho, said.
"I hope President Ma Ying-jeou and defence minister Kao Hua-chu will open their eyes to see this and listen to us."
Taiwan's defence ministry has apologised for Hung's death and military prosecutors are investigating the cause of his death.
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"I apologise to you all," vice defence minister Andrew Yang told the crowd before bowing briefly to them.
"Please give the defence ministry a chance to correct previous mistakes and clarify the truth."
Organisers said more than 10,000 had turned out while police estimates were not immediately available.
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Local media reported that Hung was at odds with his superiors for making complaints against them and that he had been placed in solitary confinement for taking a smartphone onto the army base.
He died just three days before he was due to be discharged following completion of his compulsory year-long military service.
Four military officials have been detained by authorities on abuse charges, while punitive measures have been placed on 26 other staff members.
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The island's watchdog responsible for monitoring other parts of government The Control Yuan has announced an in-depth probe into alleged bullying in the military.