CNHRA PERSON RECORD · CNHRA-P-497130
Lin Zhao
Biography
Lin Zhao was a poet and writer whose early commitment to communist revolution gave way to criticism of the authorities.[1]
Duke and Hoover describe Lin’s mission-school education in Suzhou, participation in land reform and later study at Peking University. She turned to open criticism after the Anti-Rightist campaign.[1][2]
Lin wrote prison letters, diaries and poetry addressing her mother, prison authorities and other institutions. Xi Lian describes some texts written in blood on cloth, concerning her treatment, political reform and Christian faith.[1][2]
In her prison letter to the editors of People’s Daily, Lin recalled her involvement in the revolution, the Anti-Rightist campaign and imprisonment. She argued against replacing one ruler with another and called for China to “never again have an emperor” (translated from Chinese). The letter discusses political power, enslavement and freedom. The Civil Society Archive’s introduction dates the start of writing to July 14, 1965.[3]
Case Summary
Duke’s account of Xi Lian’s research records Lin’s arrest in 1960 and execution in Shanghai on April 29, 1968. The biography draws on surviving prison writings and interviews with friends, classmates and former prisoners.[1]
Hoover records the donation by Lin’s sister, Peng Lingfan, of diaries and open letters from 1965–1968 and family photographs. The collection opened in 2009.[2]
Timeline
1960
Arrested
Duke’s account of Xi Lian’s research dates Lin’s arrest to 1960. In prison she continued letters, diaries and poetry about her experiences, political reform and Christian faith.[1]
1968-04-29
Executed
Duke’s account of Xi Lian’s research records Lin’s execution in Shanghai on April 29, 1968. Her family later preserved some prison letters and diaries.[1]
Related Events
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-414527Duke Divinity School
Evidence location: Body: 1960 arrest, April 29, 1968 execution, and prison writings.
- [2]
CNHRA-S-429964Hoover Institution
Evidence location: Provenance and surviving prison diaries and letters.
- [3]
CNHRA-S-566487Civil Society Archive
Evidence location: Transcribed PDF, page 38 (printed page 37, including original-page marker 56); catalog introduction for the writing date.