25 years later, majority of Tiananmen Square prisoners released, except maybe one

Credit Robert Croma / Flickr

/

Flickr

Twenty-five years ago, Tiananmen Square in central Beijing was the focus of pro-democracy demonstrations. Crowds of protesters, including students and factory workers, camped out in the square for weeks.

But when the Chinese security forces made their decisive move, hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of people were killed.

Hundreds were given lengthy prison sentences. Twenty-five years later, the vast majority have been released. However, one man is thought to still be in jail.

Stateside’s partner BBC’s Celia Hatton spoke to a handful of people who still remember Tiananmen’s last prisoner.

*Listen to audio clip above. 

Copyright 2021 Michigan Radio. To see more, visit Michigan Radio.