FINALLY

China to Release Last Known Tiananmen Square Prisoner

He hasn’t seen the outside world since 1989 protests.

The last known Tiananmen Square prisoner held for participating in the 1989 protests may be released in October. The man, Miao Deshun, was convicted of arson in the protests—he was sentenced to death in August 1989. Now, the 51-year-old should be released in the fall, according to the Dui Hua Foundation, which has lobbied on his behalf. Miao has had little to no contact with anyone outside of prison, and he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and hepatitis B. “We welcome this news, and express the hope that he will receive the care he needs to resume a normal life after spending more than half of it behind bars,” said John Kamm, executive director of the foundation.