Jiang Jielian

Jiang Jielian (; June 2, 1972 – June 3, 1989) was a second-year student at the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China.

Jiang was an active participant in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, and was killed during the military crackdown on the demonstrations.

Role during the 1989 protests

After the death of Hu Yaobang on April 15, 1989, Jiang became deeply concerned and enthusiastic about the student movement. After school, he often went to Peking University and Renmin University of China to read the big-character posters, copy down slogans, and listen to speeches. Among those slogans, Jiang copied "Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life!" (gai si de mei you si, bu gai si de que si le). Jiang also participated in several student protests. On April 19, Jiang joined a sit-in in front of Xinhua Gate of Zhongnanhai (entrance to the government leadership compound) requesting that the government re-evaluate Hu Yaobang's achievements, and demanding to be allowed to express their respects to Hu. This protest was eventually broken up by military policemen. On May 13, when the student hunger strike at Tiananmen Square began, Jiang often volunteered as a night guard of student pickets, who were organized to keep order in the Square.

Death On June 3, the situation in Beijing suddenly changed. China Central Television repeatedly broadcast an announcement telling citizens to stay in their homes or they would be responsible for any serious consequences.

Jiang left home at 10:30 p.m. on June 3. He and his classmate decided to cycle to the Square, but were both shot by troops when they reached Muxidi. His pale yellow T-shirt was soaked with red blood. It was around 1:10 a.m. Eyewitnesses claimed Jiang was left to bleed to death, but was eventually taken to Beijing Children's hospital. By the time Jiang was sent to a hospital, his heart had already stopped beating. The death certificate from the hospital stated: "Dead before arrival at the hospital." After Jiang's death, Ding Zilin formed a pro-democracy organization named Tiananmen Mothers. Since its founding, the organization has pushed for a change in the government's position over the suppression of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.

Memorial On September 11, 1989, one hundred days after Jiang's death, Ding Zilin and Jiang Peikun took Jielian's ashes home. In front of his ash box, Jiang Peikun carved the following inscription for his son:

I, live and with my share of infamy have not the courage, nor the right to come bringing flowers or words before your seventeen-year-old smile ...