｜ Chapter 2 ｜ Lifting of the Martial Law: Defending Absolute Freedom of Speech Justice for the February 28 Incident Uncovering Taiwan’s Deepest Historical Wound from the Past Four Decades February 1987: Cheng Nan-jung organized demonstrations throughout Taiwan that made up the "Justice for the February 28 Incident" movement. He is pictured bowing to a crowd of supporters in front of Chiayi Railway Station. Photographer: Sung Long-chyuan 60 Two weeks after the May 19 Green Action, Cheng Nan-jung was arrested and jailed for eight months. During his imprisonment, the publication of Freedom Era continued as usual. In prison, Cheng Nan-jung learned about the breaking of the political party ban and Chiang Ching-kuo’s promise to lift the martial law. This did not stop Cheng Nan-jung from continuing the fight. After being released from prison on January 24, 1987, he cofounded the February 28 Peace Day Promotion Society alongside Dr. Chen Yung-hsing, Attorney Lee Sheng-hsiung, and Pastor Lin Tsung-cheng. Together, they began the “Justice for the February 28 Incident” movement as the 40th anniversary of the incident neared, demanding truth and justice for those who were wronged. The February 28 incident was a painful tragedy for Taiwanese society, but the people were silenced for 40 years. No one dared to talk about the incident publicly, let alone seek truth and justice for the victims. Many students under the age of 30 at the time didn’t even know about it. Crowds participating in marches for the movement held up “February 28 Peace Day” signs like crosses as they marched solemnly. But this was when there was only talk of lifting the martial law. The marches and speaking events organized across Taiwan still counted as “illegal” gatherings that violated the Martial Law. Therefore, the Justice for the February 28 Incident movement faced threats and even beatings from the military police in different places. The clashes and violence awakened the painful memories of older people in Taiwan, prompting them to openly speak out about the February 28 incident. The martial law remained in place, and word spread that the authoritarian regime was attempting to establish the National Security Act During the Period of National Mobilization for Suppression of the Communist Rebellion to replace the Martial Law. After the Justice for the February 28 Incident movement, Cheng Nan-jung went on to organize the “Lift the Martial Law, No to the National Security Act” speaking event at Taipei’s Jinhua Junior High School on April 16, 1987. 61