Wei Jingsheng
The ninth anniversary, in 1998, was significant because – according to "The Guardian" – they were the "first protestors permitted to mourn the trauma of Tiananmen on Chinese soil". This memorial service was also centred on the "controversial Pillar of Shame". Demonstrators hung "large black banners" that read "reverse the verdict on June 4", while other banners swore to "fight to the end" and to "never forget June 4". Wei Jingsheng "sent a pre-recorded video message" that was broadcast through loud speakers and Wang Dan "spoke live from New York".