Thousands of civilians have turned out for a protest outside the Presidential Office led by the opposition Kuomintang. Heavyweights from the KMT and the smaller opposition Taiwan People's Party have rallied their supporters to stand against the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and President Lai Ching-te, who they say are using the justice system to target political opponents.
The protest comes after months of unrest, with civic groups starting mass campaigns to recall public officials from both parties. Several KMT party officials involved in the campaigns have been investigated for signature fraud. More opposition leaders, including Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu have been outspoken about the investigations, calling them political attacks.
The DPP has criticized public officials for getting involved in protests, and maintained that the investigations are a matter of the law, not politics.
Clarification: The KMT says the recalls of DPP legislators are being led by civic groups who are receiving support from the party.
