Sixteenth Anniversary of Tiananmen Square

Message on the Sixteenth Anniversary of Tiananmen Square

Sixteen years after the brutal and tragic events of Tiananmen Square, we still remember the many Chinese citizens killed, detained, or missing in connection with the protests. Besides those who died, thousands of Chinese citizens were arrested and sentenced without trial, and as many as 250 still languish in prison for Tiananmen-related activities.

We call on the Chinese Government to fully account for the thousands killed, detained, or missing, and to release those unjustly imprisoned. Moreover, family members of victims, like the Tiananmen mothers, and other citizens who urge their Government to undertake a reassessment of what happened June 4, 1989, should be free from harassment and detention.

It is now time for the Chinese Government to move forward with a reexamination of Tiananmen, and give its citizens the ability to flourish by allowing them to think, speak, assemble and worship freely. We continue to urge China to bring its human rights practices into conformity with international standards and law.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/589 Released on June 4, 2005, Press Statement. Sean McCormack, Spokesman, Washington, DC, June 4, 2005