Postering at Democracy Wall, Beijing, March 1979. (AP)

A selection from the poster that resulted in Wei being imprisoned since 1979:

“What is true democracy?

It is when people, acting on their own will, have the right to choose representatives to manage affairs on the people’s behalf and in accordance with the will and interests of the people.

This alone can be called democracy…

Will our enemies let us implement democracy? Of course not. They will stop at nothing to hinder the progress of democracy. Deception and trickery are the most effective means they have. All dictatorial fascists tell their people: Your situation is truly the best in the entire world…”

In China – today (1997) – talking like this will still earn you a long jail sentence.

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