Three of the four authors subsequently wrote self-criticisms.

"Even some of the methods are similar, such as forcing the urban population to spend long hours in ideological indoctrination sessions and in writing self-criticisms."

In addition to the purge of Chen, Mao asked Lin's principal generals to write self-criticisms on their political positions as a warning to Lin.

Mao directed Deng to write self-criticisms in November 1975, a move lauded by the Gang of Four.

Following this incident, senior editorial staff and journalists were all forced to write self-criticisms.

Prisoners are normally expected to write self-criticisms while in their cells; instead, Mr. Ren wrote a two-volume attack on the Government, etched painstakingly with the nib of a pen on his supply of toilet paper.

They made him write self-criticisms.

The prison authorities have told the two wives that they will be allowed to visit their husbands if they write self-criticisms, said two Chinese close to the families.

He recently returned and has been forced to write self-criticisms, but so far his case is being handled only by his work unit's authorities, not by the police.

Instead, they have written internal self-criticisms that land in their party personnel files.