Taiwanese vandals target late leader Chiang Kai-shek's public profiles
Statues of former ruler defaced as island confronts its authoritarian past
One has been beheaded, others defaced. Some are dressed in costumes by pranksters. Statues of Taiwan's former ruler Chiang Kai-shek have been increasingly targeted as the island confronts its authoritarian past.
Though still seen as a hero by some in Taiwan for waging war against communist China under the banner of the nationalist Kuomintang, Chiang has long been a divisive figure.
His role in Taiwan's "White Terror" - a purge of political opponents - and his imposition of martial law have led many to brand him a dictator synonymous with the authoritarianism that wary Taiwanese now equate with mainland rule.
Chiang was a dictator... Freedom of speech in Taiwan was suppressed
Despite splitting after a civil war, China considers the island a part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
Fears over increased mainland influence have grown since 2008 under President Ma Ying-jeou's KMT government, which has forged a rapprochement with Beijing.
Chiang's authoritarianism has outweighed his nationalist credentials and his image is wrapped up in that concern, with young people in particular feeling strongly that his memory should not be celebrated.
"Chiang was a dictator. For a long time, freedom of speech in Taiwan was suppressed," said Peter Chu, 23, a graduate student at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. "Why should his statues be allowed to remain on any campus?"