Page "Democracy Wall" Paragraph 5

These activists were initially encouraged to criticize the Gang of Four and previous failed government policies as part of Deng Xiaoping's struggle to gain power but the wall was closed in December 1979 when the leadership and the communist party system were being criticized along with acknowledged mistakes and previous leaders.

The shutdown coincided with suppression of political dissent.

The Democracy Wall was moved to Ritan Park prior to being closed down.

As visitors to the wall then had to show identification to enter the park, the open and free access to the wall was curtailed.