Taipei City Government faces backlash over legal action against citizens discussing tree cutting

The Taipei City Government is facing criticism following legal actions taken against citizens who shared posts regarding the city's recent cutting of roadside trees. One social media creator, known as 'Qin Ke', reported being summoned by police for questioning and receiving a criminal summons from the Taipei District Prosecutors Office after sharing a post discussing the utility of trees in modern warfare, such as providing cover against drones.

Shen Po-yang, a Democratic Progressive Party candidate for Taipei Mayor, criticized the administration's response, stating that the government is 'solving the people who raise problems' rather than addressing the actual issue of the missing trees. Critics have expressed concerns that the city is using public power to create a 'chilling effect' on public discourse.