No, cannibalism is explicitly criminalized under Taiwan’s Penal Code, with no exceptions for cultural or survival contexts. Article 272 prohibits the consumption of human flesh, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. The Ministry of Justice enforces this alongside the 2026 amendments to the Organ Transplant Act, which further criminalize related acts like organ trafficking. Local prosecutors in Taipei and Kaohsiung have pursued cases under public health and morality statutes, reflecting zero tolerance.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Taiwan
- Penal Code Article 272: Directly criminalizes the act of consuming human flesh, with penalties of imprisonment for up to 5 years. The provision targets both the act and intent, regardless of consent.
- Organ Transplant Act (2026 Amendments): Expands restrictions to include the trafficking or consumption of human organs, aligning with global bioethical standards. Violations may result in life imprisonment for severe cases.
- Public Health and Morality Statutes: Local health departments, under the Communicable Disease Control Act, monitor cases involving bodily harm or public endangerment. Prosecutors leverage these to address ancillary crimes like coercion or fraud.