Deaths on April 6

Fang Lizhi, Chinese astrophysicist and academic (b. 1936)

Fang Lizhi (also rendered as Li-Zhi), born on February 12, 1936, and passing away on April 6, 2012, was a towering figure in China's intellectual landscape. He was not only a brilliant astrophysicist but also a courageous human rights activist whose profound liberal ideas left an indelible mark on a generation of students and significantly influenced the course of China's pro-democracy movement.

A Life Dedicated to Science and Truth

Academically, Fang Lizhi rose to prominence as an esteemed astrophysicist, making significant contributions to his field. His intellectual prowess was recognized early in his career; he was elected an academician of the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1980, one of the highest honors for a scientist in China. Beyond his research, he also served as the vice-president of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), a leading institution renowned for its focus on advanced scientific and technical education. In this role, he was uniquely positioned to interact with and inspire many bright young minds, fostering an environment of critical thinking and intellectual freedom.

Championing Freedom and Democracy

It was during his tenure at USTC that Fang Lizhi began to articulate and champion liberal ideas that profoundly resonated with students across China. He advocated for principles such as democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech, suggesting that scientific inquiry—which thrives on open debate and challenge to established notions—should also be applied to social and political thought. His call for a more open and accountable society inspired the student movements of 1986–87, which saw students across various campuses demonstrating for greater political freedoms and reforms. This period marked a significant awakening of civil society and laid groundwork for future activism. Consequently, his outspokenness led to his expulsion from the Communist Party of China in January 1987, a clear signal of the authorities' growing intolerance for dissent.

The Road to Tiananmen and Beyond

Despite the official censure, Fang Lizhi remained a powerful symbolic figure for those yearning for political change. His ideas continued to galvanize the pro-democracy movement, culminating in the massive Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Following the tragic crackdown on June 4th, 1989, Fang Lizhi and his wife, Li Shuxian, were identified as prominent dissidents. To escape arrest, they sought refuge in the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, where they remained for over a year. Their eventual safe passage to the United States in June 1990 was the result of intense diplomatic negotiations, allowing him to continue his academic and advocacy work from abroad.

A Global Voice for Human Rights

Even as he faced political persecution in his home country, Fang Lizhi's courageous activism garnered international recognition. In 1989, he was awarded the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, an honor bestowed annually upon an individual whose courageous activism embodies the spirit and vision of Robert F. Kennedy and stands at the heart of the human rights movement. This award underscored his global stature as a champion for fundamental freedoms. Tragically, the political repercussions of his activism also extended to his academic standing: his title as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, once a mark of his scientific distinction, was revoked after 1989, symbolizing the profound cost of his convictions. From his new home in the United States, Fang Lizhi continued his astrophysical research, notably at the University of Arizona, and remained a vocal advocate for human rights and democracy in China until his passing in 2012. His life remains a testament to the enduring power of intellectual freedom and the courage to speak truth to power.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fang Lizhi

Who was Fang Lizhi?

Fang Lizhi was a distinguished Chinese astrophysicist, a former vice-president of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and a prominent human rights activist. He is widely recognized for his liberal ideas that inspired student pro-democracy movements in China during the late 1980s.

What were Fang Lizhi's key contributions to science?

As an astrophysicist, Fang Lizhi made significant contributions to his field, earning him election as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1980, a high honor for scientists in China. His research focused on areas within cosmology and theoretical physics.

Why was Fang Lizhi considered an activist?

Fang Lizhi became a leading voice for democracy and human rights in China. He publicly advocated for freedom of thought, speech, and the application of scientific skepticism to political systems. His ideas deeply influenced students, leading to the pro-democracy movements of 1986–87 and, ultimately, the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.

What were the consequences of his activism?

Due to his outspoken views, Fang Lizhi was expelled from the Communist Party of China in January 1987. After the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989, he and his wife sought asylum in the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and later went into exile in the United States. His academician title was also revoked.

What international recognition did Fang Lizhi receive?

In 1989, Fang Lizhi was awarded the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, which honors individuals whose courageous activism is central to the human rights movement globally.