"Anything inhumane that goes against the Constitution and violates human rights, no matter in what form, should never be allowed to recur in China. Otherwise, people's happiness and national prosperity will be out of the question. "

Chen Xiaolu, son of Marshal Chen Yi, former vice-premier, said in a statement formally apologizing to people he harmed during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). The former Red Guard says he does so to cleanse his soul, and for social progress and the nation's future.