The Tiananmen Mothers’ statement, issued on May 27, was published through Human Rights in China (HRIC), a New York-based human rights organization, carrying 128 names of people who claimed their children or family members were victims of the June 4, 1989, Tiananmen Square Massacre.
In the statement, the mothers demanded an independent and fair investigation into the massacre and also that the results of the investigation should be made public, including a list of all the dead; demanded appropriate compensation to the victims and their families and the prosecution of those they believe are responsible for the entire incident.
The mothers said their demands can be “summarized in three words: truth, compensation, accountability.”
Ding Zilin, founder of the Tiananmen Mothers group, whose 17-year-old son was killed in the June 4 violence, said, “In this public statement we have reiterated the views expressed in previous years, making it clear that this military action taken by the government authorities not only severely violates our nation’s constitution, but that its persistent contempt for human rights constitutes an outrage against humanity.”
Ms. Ding said that in the past 20 years different people from various levels of society have formed their own interpretations of this tragedy, but the basic facts of what happened at that time have not changed. The nature of this tragedy has not changed either. The fact remains that it is a bloody massacre of peaceful civilians.
“The June Fourth Incident must be re-evaluated, Ding insisted. “The issue of the June Fourth legacy cannot be handled in the manner of the so-called ‘rehabilitations’ and ‘exonerations’ used by the Communist authorities in the past.”
She recalled her son’s last words before he left his Beijing home on the night of June 3-4, 1989: “What makes the difference is participation.” She said that her son’s death taught her the duties of seeking truth and upholding justice.
Twenty years after the loss of her son, Ding remains resolute in her demand for answers from the authorities, although she has yet to receive any so far.
“We are prepared for the fact that we might not see any results within our lifetime, but what matters is the process of seeking a just and impartial resolution of the June Fourth issue in which we are all trying our best,” Ding said.
In China, it is forbidden to mention June Fourth in public; even mourning the victims in public is not allowed.
Ms. Ding’s fight for justice for her son has placed her under threat during the past years. Her husband Jiang Peikun was also harassed by government agents. In October 2008, scores of police surrounded their home when a friend visited. He suffered from heart attack immediately and then had a stroke after the incident.
Some parents of victims have already died in the 20 years since the Massacre, but the Tiananmen Mothers have not stopped their campaign.
“We will not stop until the June Fourth issue is resolved,” said Zhang Xianling, a key member of the group.
Read this article in Chinese: http://epochtimes.com/gb/9/5/30/n2542286.htm
