Democracy News

Chinese Human Rights Activist Arrested; Evokes International Outcry
April 5, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

On April 2, Chinese artist and human rights activist, Ai Weiwei, was taken into custody by Chinese police officers at a Beijing airport as he prepared to board a flight to Hong Kong. According to Human Rights Watch, in the days following Ai’s arrest, Chinese government officials made no official statement regarding the artist’s whereabouts. Following considerable attention from the international community, on April 7, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Hong Lei, told reporters that Ai was under investigation “on suspicion of economic crimes.” Ai is one of the most influential figures in Chinese contemporary art and a known outspoken government critic.

So far, the United States (US), France, Britain and Germany have all called on the Chinese government to release Ai. The New York Times reported that US State Department spokesman, Mark Toner, said the US was “deeply concerned by the trend of forced disappearances, extralegal detentions, arrests and convictions of human rights activists for exercising their internationally recognized human right for freedom of expression.”

Additionally, the New York Times reported that Lu Qing, Ai’s wife, stated that the police had not provided an official explanation for her husband’s arrest. Lu and eight employees from Ai’s studio were subsequently taken to police stations for questioning following Ai’s arrest. All of Ai’s associates were later released, except for Ai’s assistant Wen Tao.

In response to the outcry from the international community, BBC News reported that Chinese spokesman Hong brushed off calls for Ai’s release by stating: "China is a country ruled by law and will act according to law. We hope that the countries concerned will respect China's decision." Hong also stated that Ai’s arrest “[had] nothing to do with human rights or freedom of expression.”

Ai, whose work is currently on display at the Tate Modern gallery in London, is the most high-profile person to be detained during the Chinese government’s latest crackdown which began in mid-February 2011. Ai is also known for his work as an architect on the Bird’s Nest, Beijing’s 2008 Olympic stadium.

Reuters reports that dozens of people have been detained, several have been formally arrested on charges of incitement for subversion and nearly a dozen have vanished while in police custody.

For previous news on China, please see:
Chinese Government Suppresses Opposition Voices; Rules Out Democracy

Sources:
New York Times – Pressure on China to Release Dissident Artist

BBC – Chinese artist Ai Weiwei held for 'economic crimes

Reuters – Detained Chinese artist a tireless government critic

Human Rights Watch – China: Release Artist and Critic Ai Weiwei