Influencer Holger Chen probed for call to decapitate President Lai

Taipei, Oct. 6 (CNA) Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) on Monday said it was investigating internet personality Holger Chen (陳之漢) after he called for the decapitation of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) during a recent livestream.

In a statement Monday, the CIB said it was investigating comments by a "social media influencer" that may constitute incitement to commit a crime and threatening bodily harm under the Criminal Code.

The bureau added that it had begun collecting evidence related to the comments and had asked the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office to summon the individual for questioning.

The CIB was referring to comments made by Chen, commonly known by the nickname Kuan Chang (館長, "gym manager"), during a portion of his livestream Sunday focused on Taiwanese politics and cross-strait issues.

Referring to the use of military "decapitation strikes," Chen, apparently addressing China, called for them to "chop off the head of Lai Ching-te," before going on to say "I'm waiting, brothers, I think about it day and night."

In its statement, the CIB said that although Taiwan has ample protections for free speech, no freedoms are limitless.

"The exercise of freedom of speech must be based on respecting the rights of others, and must not incite violence or endanger public safety," it said.

Chen, 46, was previously a vocal supporter of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government, but has since become an avid supporter of the opposition Taiwan People's Party and its founder Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), as well as a frequent critic of the DPP.

The gym entrepreneur turned internet influencer also made a high-profile trip to Shanghai in June, where he praised China to his mostly-Taiwanese viewership, drawing the ire of many in the DPP.