Taiwan Proposes Tougher Penalties for Military Service Evaders

Taiwan has proposed an amendment to regulations that would establish a minimum prison sentence of one year for those who evade mandatory military service.

The proposal also includes increasing sanctions for men who intentionally delay the military service process until they exceed the specified age limit, according to local media reports on Sunday.

Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior stated that the proposal was prompted by several high-profile cases that have drawn public attention, including several public figures from the entertainment industry accused of avoiding military obligations, as reported by the Taipei-based Central News Agency (CNA).

The Ministry emphasised that military service is a constitutional obligation for eligible men. However, several recent cases have shown attempts to avoid military service, such as extending stays abroad via visas, intentional self-harm, or altering physical conditions to avoid military summons.

According to the ministry, these cases have triggered widespread public concern.

The ministry also assessed that current sanctions are not sufficiently effective in providing a deterrent against such violations.

In addition to tightening penalties, the proposed amendment also aims to revise sentencing guidelines. Under current regulations, perpetrators of military service evasion can face up to five years in prison.

However, the ministry explained that in practice, many cases end with deferred prosecution, dismissal of prosecution, or prison sentences of six months or less, which can subsequently be replaced by fines.

To strengthen the deterrent effect while maintaining the principle of fairness in the implementation of military service, the new draft regulation proposes prison sentences of between one and five years for violators.