“This is Radio Beijing.

Please remember June the 3rd, 1989. The most tragic event happened in the Chinese capital, Beijing. Thousands of people, most of them innocent civilians, are killed by fully-armed soldiers when they forced their way into the city. Among the killed are our colleagues at Radio Beijing. The soldiers were riding on armored vehicles and used machine guns against thousands of local residents and students who tried to block their way. When the army conveys made the breakthrough, soldiers continued to spray their bullets indiscriminately at crowds in the street. Eyewitnesses say some armored vehicles even crushed foot soldiers who hesitated in front of the resisting civilians. Radio Beijing English Department deeply mourns those who died in the tragic incident and appeals to all its listeners to join our protest for the gross violation of human rights and the most barbarous suppression of the people.

Because of the abnormal situation here in Beijing there is no other news we could bring you. We sincerely ask for your understanding and thank you for joining us at this most tragic moment.”

^◊ On June 4, 1989, Wu Xiaoyong, the deputy director of the English Department of China Radio International at the time, rode his bicycle to work and passed Muxidi and Gongzhufen. He witnessed the tragedy after the massacre, so he wrote a press release on what he saw on the road. Chen Yuanneng, the English Announcer on duty that day, broadcasted to the whole world at 6:25 in the morning. Wu Xiaoyong was sentenced to 4 years in prison.

[END]
Reproduced for personal learning purposes. All rights belong to their respective owners.