2014-06-04 08:21:00

25 years on from Tiananmen Square massacre


(Vatican Radio) Chinese security forces have been patrolling Tiananmen Square in the capital city, Beijing, on the 25th anniversary of the massacre that took place there against pro-democracy protestors. 

Foreign journalists were led away from the plaza, while passers-by were searched and asked to produce identity papers. Authorities have detained dozens of activists in recent weeks, in order to guarantee their silence on the anniversary. 

The 1989 protesters wanted political reform, but the crackdown was ordered after hardliners won a power struggle within the ruling Communist Party. Alastair Wanklyn looks back, listen:  








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