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China Eases Up Slightly on Tiananmen Anniversary

Government allows memorials for the first time

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 5, 2007 9:51 AM CDT
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(Newser) – As part of its campaign to attract Western visitors to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, China allowed Tiananmen Square memorials this year for the first time since the protests of June 4, 1989. The government maintains that the uprising was a counterrevolutionary riot and refuses to release details; a security crackdown in the square normally prevents citizens from commemorating the event.

Activists used the slight relaxing of government control to call for political reform and demand that Beijing disclose the extent of the reprisals it exacted on Tiananmen protesters. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong—the only place in the country where the government permits large public observances of the Tiananmen Square clashes—a candlelight vigil marked the anniversary.

Chinese soldiers stand guard during the flag raising ceremony at Tiananmen square in Beijing, China Monday June 4, 2007.
Chinese soldiers stand guard during the flag raising ceremony at Tiananmen square in Beijing, China Monday June 4, 2007.   (Associated Press)
The bodies of dead civilians lie among mangled bicycles near Beijing's Tiananmen Square in this June 4, 1989 file photo.
The bodies of dead civilians lie among mangled bicycles near Beijing's Tiananmen Square in this June 4, 1989 file photo.   (Associated Press)
April 17-20, Police and demonstrating students en route to Tiananmen Square.
April 17-20, Police and demonstrating students en route to Tiananmen Square.   (Magnum Photos)
A student prevents tanks from Tiananmen Square June 4, 1989.
A student prevents tanks from Tiananmen Square June 4, 1989.   (Magnum Photos)
A woman walks past a statue of Goddess of Democracy in memory of the victims of the June 4th Tiananmen Square crackdown.
A woman walks past a statue of Goddess of Democracy in memory of the victims of the June 4th Tiananmen Square crackdown.   (Associated Press)
Chinese soldiers march through Tiananmen square in Beijing, China Monday June 4, 2007.
Chinese soldiers march through Tiananmen square in Beijing, China Monday June 4, 2007.   (Associated Press)
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The view from Canada, where the government reacted with "virtual silence"
Globe and Mail

The view from Hong Kong, where the annual vigil draws a huge crowd
Bloomberg

 
China • Hong Kong • Beijing • Tiananmen Square • 2008 Beijing Olympics • protests • political reform • Olympic Games

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