｜ Chapter 2 ｜ Lifting of the Martial Law: Defending Absolute Freedom of Speech per the Constitution. A strange atmosphere of scrutiny permeated Taiwan’s political circles because Lee was Taiwan’s first native-born president. However, the Taiwan High Court acted swiftly and declared sentencing on the “Tsai-Hsu Taiwanese Independence Incident” just three days later on the 16th. Tsai Yu-chuan was sentenced to 11 years for “intent to seize State territory”. Hsu Tsao-teh was sentenced to 10 years for “co-conspiracy to seize State territory”. In the face of the High Court’s heavy sentencing, the two shouted, “Objection! Taiwan should be independent!” and “What a nationending verdict! Taiwan should be independent!” Their outbursts galvanized the crowd of supporters inside and outside the courthouse, and without fear of possible judicial persecution, they shouted “Taiwan should be independent! Taiwanese independence forever!” Cheng Nan-jung, who was already rallying crowds advocating for the lifting of the martial law and for justice for the February 28 incident before martial law was lifted, also traveled across Taiwan organizing countless demonstrations and speeches. Chants like “release Tsai Yu-chuan and Hsu Tsao-teh” and “freedom of speech, Taiwanese independence is not a crime” echoed through the streets all around Taiwan. A crowd of 52 people demanding the release of Tsai Yu-chuan and Hsu Tsao-teh. Photographer: Sung Long-chyuan 52 53