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Taiwan leader faces mass protest | Taiwan leader faces mass protest |
(6 days later) | |
Tens of thousands of people have been demonstrating in Taiwan to demand the resignation of President Chen Shui-bian over corruption allegations. | Tens of thousands of people have been demonstrating in Taiwan to demand the resignation of President Chen Shui-bian over corruption allegations. |
The protesters, many dressed in red to highlight their anger, gathered in the capital on what organisers describe as the first day of mass protests. | The protesters, many dressed in red to highlight their anger, gathered in the capital on what organisers describe as the first day of mass protests. |
Mr Chen's popularity has plummeted amid scandals involving relatives and aides. | Mr Chen's popularity has plummeted amid scandals involving relatives and aides. |
In one case, his son-in-law is facing charges - which he denies - of insider trading on the stock market. | In one case, his son-in-law is facing charges - which he denies - of insider trading on the stock market. |
Organisers say more that 200,000 people joined Saturday's rally outside the presidential offices in Taipei - but police put the number at 90,000. | Organisers say more that 200,000 people joined Saturday's rally outside the presidential offices in Taipei - but police put the number at 90,000. |
The BBC's Caroline Gluck, at the scene, says it is a sea of red. | The BBC's Caroline Gluck, at the scene, says it is a sea of red. |
There are four big red balloons, representing righteousness, integrity, prosperity and honour. | There are four big red balloons, representing righteousness, integrity, prosperity and honour. |
Chen protests gain ground In pictures: Taiwan protests | Chen protests gain ground In pictures: Taiwan protests |
The protesters say these virtues have been lost in today's Taiwan, and Mr Chen should stand down. | The protesters say these virtues have been lost in today's Taiwan, and Mr Chen should stand down. |
The movement is led by Shih Ming-teh, a veteran activist who spent more than 25 years in jail when Taiwan was under martial law. | The movement is led by Shih Ming-teh, a veteran activist who spent more than 25 years in jail when Taiwan was under martial law. |
He says he is responding to a groundswell of public discontent. | He says he is responding to a groundswell of public discontent. |
Organisers say the protest is the first mass grassroots movement to remove a president that has not been organised by mainstream political parties. | Organisers say the protest is the first mass grassroots movement to remove a president that has not been organised by mainstream political parties. |
However analysts say President Chen seems unlikely to stand down. | However analysts say President Chen seems unlikely to stand down. |
Last month he survived an unprecedented parliamentary attempt by the opposition Kuomintang to oust him. | Last month he survived an unprecedented parliamentary attempt by the opposition Kuomintang to oust him. |
The crisis began in May, when Mr Chen's son-in-law, Chao Chien-min, was detained on suspicion of insider trading. | The crisis began in May, when Mr Chen's son-in-law, Chao Chien-min, was detained on suspicion of insider trading. |
Mr Chen's wife was also accused of questionable dealings. | Mr Chen's wife was also accused of questionable dealings. |
The president has apologised for the actions of his son-in-law. | The president has apologised for the actions of his son-in-law. |