TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Two Taiwan lawmakers were injured in a clash in the legislature during a debate over a bill that would set up a media watchdog.
Two representatives were taken to the hospital Tuesday after a scuffle on the floor of the legislature resulted in a member of the opposition Kuomintang Party being hit in the eye with a cell phone, while a member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party was punched in the nose, the Taiwan News reported.
The Legislative Yuan was discussing the formation of a National Communications Commission bill, with the ruling and opposition parties each favoring an appointment system that would give it control of the commission.
The bill is part of a DPP move to divest the government, the military and all political parties of their interests in the media.
The fracas prevented discussion of an even more controversial opposition-sponsored "peace bill" that would create a committee with the authority to negotiate with Beijing over the head of the executive department.
The opposition wants to negotiate trade and transport issues that have stalled due to Beijing's unwillingness to negotiate with President Chen Shui-bian, whom they view as a separatist for his stance on Taiwan's independence.
