CNHRA PERSON RECORD · CNHRA-P-732142
Zhang Zhixin
Biography
Zhang Zhixin was a Communist Party member who voiced political disagreement during the Cultural Revolution, criticizing personality worship and prevailing policies.[1]
Zhang studied Russian at Renmin University, worked in its library and later entered propaganda work in Liaoning. The Caixin retrospective describes her criticism of personality worship, cultural control and political campaigns as a Party member.[1]
Caixin’s retrospective describes Zhang’s criticism of Mao’s leadership after the Great Leap Forward, her defense of Peng Dehuai and Liu Shaoqi, and her criticism of Lin Biao and Jiang Qing. It quotes her refusal to recant: “It is impossible for me to surrender.” She emphasized honesty, justice and truth. The account also describes her continued writing in custody, including letters to her children.[1]
Case Summary
Timeline
1975-04-04
Executed
Caixin records Zhang’s execution after prolonged custody and links her punishment to criticism of personality worship and political leadership, describing her refusal to disown her convictions.[1]
1979
Rehabilitation publicly commemorated
Family petitions after the Cultural Revolution led to rehabilitation in Liaoning. A March 31 provincial newspaper account subsequently gained national circulation.[1]
Related Events
Sources
- [1]
CNHRA-S-723367ChinaFile / Caixin
Evidence location: Body: political views, 1969 detention, 1975 execution and 1979 rehabilitation coverage; Retrospective passages on remarks at the cadre school, refusal to recant, and letters written in prison.