[Oberlist] Cn* China detains Ai Weiwei as warning against dissent

[Zugravu Gheorghe]

(Romanian translation: http://amnesty.md/news/news.php?ln=ro&id=345)

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE

4 April 2011

China detains Ai Weiwei as warning against dissent
http://amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/china-detains-ai-weiwei-warning-against-dissent-2011-04-04

The detention of China’s most famous artist and political critic, Ai
Weiwei, is a troubling development in a widening crackdown on dissent
that has seen dozens of activists detained over the last few months,
Amnesty International said today.

Police detained Ai Weiwei at Beijing airport on 2 April.  His wife and
several members of his studio staff were also detained on the weekend.

“Ai Weiwei was not even involved in any call for ‘Jasmine’ protests.
There seems to be no reason whatsoever for his detention, other than
that the authorities are trying to broadcast the message that China’s
time for open dissent has come to an end,” said Donna Guest, Amnesty
International’s Deputy Director for the Asia-Pacific.

Since online calls for Chinese ‘Jasmine Revolution’ protests inspired by
people’s movements in the Middle East and North Africa began circulating
in late February, the Chinese authorities have rounded up dozens of
activists, lawyers and bloggers.

“We've already seen the chilling effect the ‘Jasmine Revolution’-related
arrests have had on Chinese activists and netizens over the past month.
Holding Ai Weiwei takes this to another level,” said Donna Guest.

“If the authorities are so bold as to grab this world-renowned artist in
broad daylight at Beijing airport, it’s frightening to think how they
might treat other, lesser known dissidents.”


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