IN RESPONSE to the article ("Former Taiwan president Chen out on medical parole"; Jan 6), the correct term for Chen Shui-bian's temporary release is "bail for medical treatment" or "medical bail", instead of "medical parole", which is misleading.
In Taiwan, the objectives of imprisonment are to encourage personal reform of the sentenced individual and to help him adjust to life in society.
If the inmate suffers severe medical illness to the point that these objectives cannot be fulfilled, the prison authorities may request permission from the Ministry of Justice's Agency of Corrections to release him on bail for medical treatment, in order to safeguard his health.
If the request is approved, imprisonment is temporarily suspended to allow the prisoner to receive medical treatment outside the correctional facility. After the medical condition has stabilised, the individual must return to prison to continue to serve out the sentence.
The grant of medical bail refers to a temporary release on medical grounds, and does not constitute unconditional release on completion of one's sentence.
Tsai Chi Yuan
Senior Assistant Director
Information Division
Taipei Representative Office in Singapore
In Taiwan, the objectives of imprisonment are to encourage personal reform of the sentenced individual and to help him adjust to life in society.
If the inmate suffers severe medical illness to the point that these objectives cannot be fulfilled, the prison authorities may request permission from the Ministry of Justice's Agency of Corrections to release him on bail for medical treatment, in order to safeguard his health.
If the request is approved, imprisonment is temporarily suspended to allow the prisoner to receive medical treatment outside the correctional facility. After the medical condition has stabilised, the individual must return to prison to continue to serve out the sentence.
The grant of medical bail refers to a temporary release on medical grounds, and does not constitute unconditional release on completion of one's sentence.
Tsai Chi Yuan
Senior Assistant Director
Information Division
Taipei Representative Office in Singapore
