Chinese Government Intensifies Suppression of Tiananmen Massacre Commemorations

Chinese Government Intensifies Suppression of Tiananmen Massacre Commemorations Ahead of the 35 years of the Tiananmen Massacre on June 4, 2024, the Chinese government has escalated its efforts to suppress any discussion or commemoration of the tragic events. Authorities have imprisoned individuals in China and Hong Kong who sought to honor the massacre’s victims, while steadfastly refusing to acknowledge responsibility or provide redress for the mass killings. "The Chinese government is seeking to erase the memory of the Tiananmen Massacre throughout China and in Hong Kong," said Maya Wang, acting China director at Human Rights Watch. Despite these efforts, the memory of those who fought for democracy and human rights remains resilient. Notable incidents include the recent sentencing of 1989 student leader Xu Guang to four years in prison for demanding government acknowledgment of the massacre. In Hong Kong, police have arrested seven people, including lawyer-activist Chow Hang-tung, for posts regarding the anniversary. The government’s crackdown extends to silencing academic voices, such as the firing of Canadian-Chinese professor Rowena He, author of Tiananmen Exiles. The international community must not allow Beijing to escape accountability for these atrocities. Foreign governments should renew efforts to hold China accountable, including supporting UN initiatives and publicly marking the anniversary to pressure Beijing for accountability. The Chinese government’s unchecked abuses threaten human rights globally, necessitating a strong and coordinated international response.