Although Taiwan has not yet reached the perfect stage of human rights in recent years. Few cases of political and other extrajudicial killing, torture or other cruel punishment have been reported during the past year. Arbitrary arrests, detention of exiles, denial of fair public trials have rarely been heard of. Arbitrary interference with privacy is not allowed. Civil liberties, such as the freedoms of speech and press, religion, and peaceful assembly and association, have been well respected.
Some observers even believe that such freedoms have been practiced excessively.
Some observers have criticized the government's failure to allow certain radical Taiwan independence movement leaders to return to Taiwan from abroad. The government has barred their return on the basis of the National Security Law because they intend to promote the independence movement in Taiwan or even create great disturbance or violence so as to illegally overthrow the government. Exit and entry permits may be refused for a number of reasons. Under the National Security Law, however, reasons for refusal must be given, and appeals may be made to a special board. The government has indicated that it has greatly reduced the number of persons on the so-called blacklist of persons denied admission because of grave risks to national security.