Liu Xiaobo, Chinas most high-profile dissident, has died aged 61. Liu played a central role in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. Later, he spent 21 months in prison. He also lost his job as a lecturer and his books were banned. He was most recently arrested in 2008 for initiating Charter 08, a petition calling for democracy and an end to censorship. He was convicted for inciting subversion and sentenced to 11 years in prison. In 2010 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize while locked away. Liu was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer in May. Under international pressure, the Chinese government allowed Liu to go on medical parole, but under constant surveillance. World leaders had urged China to allow Liu to travel overseas to receive medical care.
