Vigil recalls 1989 massacre
Tiananmen Square student leader marches in T.O.
http://www.torontosun.com/News/TorontoAndGTA/2008/06/02/5743571-sun.html
By JASON BUCKLAND, SUN MEDIA
Nineteen years later Wang Dan still winces at the thought of it -- how Chinese authorities
brutally stomped out dissent at Tiananmen Square.
The former student leader was at the Chinese consulate in Toronto yesterday to remember the
anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing.
Wang saw a classmate shot dead from behind by an angry soldier on June 4, 1989 -- one of
hundreds of protesters killed in the violent crackdown on a demonstration that had lasted
several weeks.
Thousands had packed the square, defying communist rulers in their bid to bring democratic
reforms to China.
Despite the peaceful nature of the sit-in, the Chinese government eventually sent in
soldiers and tanks to end it.
'BEGAN OPENING FIRE'
"When the tanks showed up, many of us ran several street blocks away," Wang recalled. "But
soldiers just began opening fire. Many people -- students, citizens -- died."
For his role as a leader in the protests, Wang was jailed for seven years and then exiled
to the United States.
Asked if he would lead the march again, knowing he could face prison in the future, his
reply was simple: "Absolutely."
Wang was joined yesterday by almost 200 members of the local Chinese community in a rally
to commemorate the massacre's anniversary.
They carried signs reading "We will never forget" and "Grant us civil rights" through the
University of Toronto to a candlelit vigil for those killed that weekend in 1989.
"We are here to urge the Chinese government to improve human rights in China," said Dick
Chan, found ing president of Toronto's Association for Democracy in China.
"They can do that by admitting their responsibilities in the Tiananmen massacre."
Many at the protest feel this summer's Olympics in Beijing will give China's government an
opportunity to demonstrate a will to change.
"Every country will be watching," said Vicky Lee, who moved here from Hong Kong three years
ago. "China needs democracy."
天安门母亲网站在六四19周年前夕开通