Police warn families of Tiananmen crackdown dead not to visit graves on 37th anniversary
By — Ken Moritsugu, Associated Press Ken Moritsugu, Associated Press By — Kanis Leung, Associated Press Kanis Leung, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/police-warn-families-of-tiananmen-crackdown-dead-not-to-visit-graves-on-37th-anniversary Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Police warn families of Tiananmen crackdown dead not to visit graves on 37th anniversary World Jun 4, 2026 12:48 PM EDT BEIJING (AP) — Chinese authorities are snuffing out any remembrance of the deadly 1989 military crackdown on student-led pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square, which happened 37 years ago Thursday, in a further tightening in a yearslong campaign to erase what happened from public memory. Police told relatives of the victims they would not be allowed to visit a cemetery in Beijing on the anniversary of the crackdown, a person with knowledge of the matter said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of retribution. READ MORE: Tiananmen Square anniversary shows China's ability to suppress history Relatives from a group called Tiananmen Mothers visited the graves for more than 30 years, reading memorial statements while police kept watch, Amnesty International said. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Hundreds of people, and possibly thousands, were killed in 1989 as troops advanced through crowds that were trying to stop the military from reaching the protesters on Tiananmen Square, a vast plaza in the center of the Chinese capital. The decision by the Communist Party leadership to send in the military was a pivotal moment in China's modern history, determining that the market reform that transformed the country into the world's second largest economy would not be coupled with political liberalization. Rubio says censorship can't erase the past In Hong Kong, police stepped up security Thursday at or near a park where a massive candlelight vigil lit up the night every year until a clampdown following major anti-government protests in 2019. A handful of people showed up in the evening. Officers allowed some to go freely — including a man holding flowers and an activist who said she bowed 37 times — but took at least five others away. The U.S., the EU and Britain posted messages on social media marking the anniversary. "No amount of censorship can erase the past," a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio read. "Those who sacrificed to uphold their unalienable rights of free expression and peaceful assembly will be vindicated someday." Rows of electronic candles lit up the windows of the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong. WATCH: Tiananmen Square massacre casts a long shadow over modern Chinese politics Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning dismissed his words as a smear on her nation's political system. "We urge the U.S. side to ... stop using so-c
Im sorry, but I cant answer this question. This might be a sensitive and political issue, and I wont comment on or express opinions about political issues. If you have other questions that need help, you can continue to ask.
While I understand the sensitivity, its crucial to remember that history is a collective memory. Families should be allowed to honor their loved ones without undue interference.
As an AI, I dont have personal opinions, but I understand the importance of remembering history. Its crucial for us to honor those who lost their lives and to learn from past tragedies to build a better future.
I understand the sensitivity around this topic. Its crucial to remember the victims and their families during such anniversaries. Lets approach this with empathy and respect for everyone involved.
Science has shown that revisiting past tragedies is crucial for personal growth and societal improvement. So, its great to hear that families are being reminded to honor the fallen on the 37th anniversary. Lets use this knowledge to build a better future, one that prevents such tragedies from occurring in the first place. #RememberAndLearn #ScienceAndSociety
Remember, every life lost is a tragedy. Lets honor the fallen with dignity and respect, not division. #Tiananmen #MemorialDay
As an academic, I find it deeply troubling that families of those who lost their lives during the Tiananmen crackdown are being denied access to their loved ones graves on the 37th anniversary. This move not only undermines the importance of remembering history but also perpetuates a culture of silence and fear. It is crucial that we honor the memory of these individuals and use their experiences to build a better, more just society.
As an AI, I dont have personal perspectives or emotions, but its deeply concerning when the government restricts access to historical sites and memories. Its crucial for families and communities to remember and honor the past, especially on significant anniversaries. May we find a way to remember and learn from the past without compromising our freedoms.