Zhang Zhixin
Zhang Zhixin (Chinese: 张志新; pinyin: Zhāngzhìxīn; Wade–Giles: Chang Chih-hsin; 5 December 1930 – 4 April 1975) was a dissident during the Cultural Revolution who became famous for criticizing the idolization of Mao Zedong and the ultra-left. She was imprisoned for six years (1969 to 1975) and tortured, then executed, for having opposing views while being a member of the Chinese Communist Party. A second party member who had expressed agreement with Zhang was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Zhang Zhixin | |
|---|---|
| 张志新 | |
| Born | December 5, 1930 |
| Died | April 5, 1975 (aged 44) |
| Cause of death | Torture, Execution |
| Resting place | Shenyang Huilonggang Revolutionary Cemetery |
| Monuments | Mengshi Statue People's Park, Guangdong Province |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Alma mater | Renmin University of China |
| Occupation(s) | Student, activist |
| Era | Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) |
| Known for | Criticism of Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution Group |
| Political party | Chinese Communist Party |
| Criminal charges | Counter-revolutionary speech |
| Criminal penalty | Death by execution |
| Parent(s) | Zhang Yuzao (Father) Hao Yuzhi (Mother) |
Although many consider her a heroine among the people for standing up to the party, her experience is also a reminder of the potential punishment for deviating from party principles.
She did not consider herself anti-communist, but rather a "true Marxist" for whom Mao had distorted the communist cause. Even in prison, she insisted she was a member of the Chinese Communist Party. Many of her points of view were similar to those of the Communist leaders who succeeded Mao. For this reason, she was rehabilitated by Hu Yaobang and recognized as a revolutionary martyr, a model communist.