Nie Yuanzi

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Nie Yuanzi (born 1921) is a Chinese academic who taught philosophy at Peking University. She is primarily known for her May 16, 1966 "Big-character poster" criticizing Peking University for being controlled by the "bourgeoise." This was a factor in the Cultural Revolution.^[1] She initially supported the persecution of other academics, but in time soured on the results of the Cultural Revolution and tried to quit her position in the Red Guards. In 1968 she was detained and she would remain in prison for 18 years. She is now critical of the Chinese regime and has expressed a desire for greater freedom of opinion.^[2]