For 35 years, Chinese Human Rights Defenders has been fighting for the recognition of the Tiananmen Square massacre and the release of all political prisoners in China. The organization’s call comes on the anniversary of the June 4, 1989 events, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of pro-democracy protesters.
The group has put together a list of 27 individuals who are still being held in prison for their activism, shedding light on the ongoing persecution faced by dissidents in China. Among those listed are names like Zhou Guoqiang, Guo Feixiong, Chen Shuqing, Lu Gengsong, Xia Lin, and Zhao Haitong. These individuals have been imprisoned for their peaceful advocacy for democracy and human rights.
The list also features individuals like Tong Hao and Lee Cheuk-yan who have fought to preserve the memory of the Tiananmen massacre both in mainland China and Hong Kong. Notably, three witnesses to the events who died in prison over the past 35 years are also mentioned: Liu Xiaobo, Yang Tongyan, and Li Wangyang. Their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences that can come from speaking out against oppression in China.
As Chinese Human Rights Defenders continues to remind us of these cases, it is important that we take action to speak out against ongoing persecution and demand immediate release for all political prisoners in China. We must hold those responsible accountable for their actions and work towards creating a world where all people can live freely without fear of retribution or censorship.
