(16 Jun 2020) Statues of historical figures in France have been targeted by graffiti or coated with paint in recent days, amid calls worldwide to stop honouring those tied to the slave trade or colonial-era crimes.
The latest vandalism targeted a statue of French military commander Joseph Gallieni in central Paris on Tuesday, where "down with the official version" was scrawled on the monument's base.
Gallieni began a colonial career in the late 19th century and later played an important role during World War I as military governor of Paris.
He used brutal methods to quell rebellion in French colonies, including as a governor of Madagascar, where he abolished the island's 350-year-old monarchy.
Statues of World War II French Resistance leader and former President Charles de Gaulle have also been targeted by vandals in recent days.
De Gaulle led France at the end of its colonial era in the 1950s and 1960s, but is widely revered for helping free France from Nazi occupation, and the vandalism prompted outcry from many politicians.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that France would not take down any statues of colonial-era figures as has happened in some other countries in recent weeks.

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