On the 20th anniversary of the bloody crackdown on pro-democracy activists, Chinese authorities have blocked media access to the Square. And they have irritating umbrellas.

Read the full dispatch from the BBC here.

Are any of you travelers at the scene?

This is your time to show travel writing can be a political act. Share your photos, videos, thoughts, below!

Activism + Politics
 

About The Author

Ian MacKenzie

Ian MacKenzie is the founder and former editor of Brave New Traveler. He is a now a contributing editor to Matador, and the network's architect. Ian is also a documentary filmmaker, with his first feature (One Week Job) released in 2010.

  • Nick Rowlands

    Wow! Well, at least it’s umbrellas they are using to stifle dissent now.

  • http://www.mikesryukyugallery.com Ryukyu Mike

    Agree with Nickl; umbrellas are much less painful than tanks !

  • http://www.schuchternheit.info Ron

    This Tweet is brought to you from China. Everything is great, they don’t eat dog or snake. And Tiananmen Square never happened :) … Not sure if a country which forbids teaching about Tiananmen Square is entirely qualified to talk about

Activism + Politics →

He polled his Twitter followers on where he should donate and followed through.

Culture Guides →

It can't be without a few harmonious consequences.

Activism + Politics →

The first thing I do is scan the room for something, anything I can write with.

Activism + Politics →

Hungary does not permit genetically modified crops, even Monsanto's.

Culture + Religion →

An interview with New York filmmaker Brook Silva-Braga on the complex relations between...

Activism + Politics →

Sarah Shourd sends an update about detained American hikers, Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer.

Activism + Politics →

Eco-activists on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, are asking the world to help raise...

Activism + Politics →

Shreya Sanghani explains how you can support the release of documentary filmmaker Dhondup...

Activism + Politics →

There’s a market out there for brands trying to do the right thing.