The Tiananmen Square protests began in April 1989, driven by discontent with the Chinese government's lack of political reform, inflation, and corruption. As the protests grew, the number of participants swelled to hundreds of thousands, including students, intellectuals, and citizens from different walks of life. The focal point of the demonstration was Tiananmen Square, where protestors expressed calls for democracy, freedom of speech, and reforms to the oppressive political system. The hunger strike initiated by students drew attention both nationally and internationally, with media coverage highlighting the demands of the protestors for dialogue with the government. However, the Chinese Communist Party perceived the protests as a significant threat to its control over the country. In late May, martial law was declared.On June 3-4, the situation escalated as the military was ordered to clear the square. Tanks and armed troops were deployed to suppress the protests. The crackdown began late at night on June 3, continuing into the early hours of June 4. Eyewitness accounts and reports indicate that soldiers fired upon unarmed civilians, leading to widespread chaos and the horrifying reality of the violent confrontation. The Hong Kong newspaper reports suggested that the death toll could be as high as 10,000, although the Chinese government maintained a much lower official count. The aftermath of the suppression included widespread arrests and a severe crackdown on dissent, imposing censorship on information related to the protests.