Taiwan carries out death sentence on 4 inmates, first executions in 4 1/2 years

Taiwan executes 4 inmates

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The Ministry of Justice says Taiwan has executed four inmates, the first time it has carried out the death sentence since December 2005.

In a statement late Friday the ministry says the executions were carried out earlier in the day, after Justice Minister Tseng Yung-fu signed warrants for the executions.

In its statement the ministry said that the four men were executed for “grave offenses such as fatal kidnappings and murders” and that their sentences had been confirmed by court authorities at various levels.

Tseng replaced Wang Ching-feng in March following an outcry from victims’ families after Wang said she wanted to see Taiwan’s death penalty abolished.

After Friday’s executions, Taiwan still has about 40 inmates on death row.