I've never heard the term "communist sympathizers" when I grew up there. It is the translation that messed up the "facts". Just like we had the discussion long time ago about "yong guei zi".
I'm lucky that I read from both English and Chinese sources and I'm really shocked to find out especially in the mass communication field's translation is the worst. It scrwed up so many facts and no REPORTER even knows it.
Since I started using internet I don't watch TV and read news magazine anymore.
I have to admit that my kids always laugh at my English.
You must have heard of those who were executed or put in prison for opposing the KMT.