The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) calls upon the Chinese authorities to take those legitimate requests seriously, and to ensure that an independent investigation be conducted in order to establish the facts and the responsibilities, ensure compensation for victims’ relatives and order the prosecution of those responsible before an impartial and independent court.
Human Rights in China (HRIC), FIDH member organization, recently made public a call by the Tiananmen Mothers for a reassessment of the June 4th crackdown. FIDH fully supports this appeal, and firmly believes that this process is crucial to afford justice for the victims, but has also far broader implications for the whole Chinese society. The People’s Republic of China cannot build a "peaceful and harmonious society" without a sincere reassessment of the 1989 repression: collective amnesia cannot be the solution to large-scale human rights violations. "The sooner the better: victims and their relatives have a right to truth and justice. Repression is not an appropriate reply. It is time for the Chinese authorities to listen to the victims’ relatives pleas. The National People’s Congress should appoint an independent committee to investigate the June 4th crackdown", declared Souhayr Belhassen, FIDH President.
The Tiananmen Mothers were able to release several lists of persons who have died as a result of the violent attack on peaceful protesters in 1989, and as of this day, their last list includes the names of 195 persons. They explain that this list is in no way exhaustive. During a joint press conference in Paris, Chinese activists estimated the number of victims between 750 and 2500. These numbers are not confirmed as the Chinese regime keeps a wall of secrecy surrounding any study, publication, or testimony regarding the repression and its aftermath.
The international community must firmly support the request of the Tiananmen Mothers: as long as there is no proper investigation into the 1989 violent crackdown and impunity will prevail.
For more information on June 4th: http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/category?cid=1011
In Paris, commemorative events will take place:
June 3dr at 19.00, gathering in Trocadero, on Parvis des droits de l’Homme
June 4th at 19.00, special event at Maison des métallo (75011 Paris) convened by several human rights organizations, including FIDH.