As the commemorations of June 4th come to a close this year, let's not forget the bravery and courage of the staff of the English department of Radio Beijing for broadcasting a short message of the massacre via shortwave radio to the world. [1/8]
The writer of this broadcast was the deputy director of the English department of Radio Beijing, Wu Xiaoyong, who was also the son of the Vice Premier at the time, Wu Xueqian. His decision to write and broadcast this message led to him being arrested for many years. [2/8]
A transcription of the recording: "中国国际广播电台。This is Radio Beijing. Please remember June the third, 1989. The most tragic event happened, in the Chinese capital, Beijing. Thousands of people, most of them innocent civilians, were killed by fully armed soliders..." [3/8]
"...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." [4/8]
"When the army convoys made a 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." [5/8]
"Radio Beijing's English department deeply mourns those who died in the tragic incident, and appeals to all listeners to join our protest for the gross violations of human rights and the most barbarous suppression of the people. Because of the abnormal situation here..." [6/8]
"...in Beijing, there is no other news that we could bring you. We sincerely ask for your understanding and thank you for joining us at this most tragic moment.” [7/8]
Wu Xiaoyong decided to write and broadcast this message in the early hours of June 4, after seeing the massacre for himself. His bravery is commendable, and we will not forget.🕯#TiananmenSquareMassacre [8/8]
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