Zhang zhixin biography for kids

Not to be confused with Shang Zhixin.

In this Chinese name, the family name is Zhang.

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.^[1] 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.^[2] A second party member who had expressed agreement with Zhang was sentenced to 18 years in prison.^[3]

Although many consider her a heroine among the people for standing up to the party,^[3] 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,