It is much more complicated than that. It was a protest for change that started it with mao’s consent, but quickly spiraled out of control, beyond even Mao’s control. Even before Mao’s death it was being vigorously disavowed and many of its victims were rehabilitated.

The CR made the party fear chaos above all else. HK actually learned the same lesson under the British during the same timeframe (Maoist protesters almost tore the city apart). Not that it justifies their behavior, it just explains it.