May 10, 1990: China releases Tiananmen Square prisoners

On May 10, 1990, the People's Republic of China released 211 people arrested during the June 1989 massive protest in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. The peaceful protesters were calling for a greater democracy. In the violence resulting from the break-up of the protest, thousands of people were killed and an unknown number were arrested. The Chinese government then faced strong opposition from the U.S. for what it viewed as severe human-rights violations. The announcement about the prisoners' release also stated that China was keeping more than 400 protesters in custody for investigation.

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