News — Jun 22, 2011

 The Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported today, June 22, the release of Ai Weiwei, whose prosecution had become a focal point of criticism of China's human rights record.
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The 53-year-old artist, known as one of the designers of the Bird's Nest Olympic stadium in Beijing, was arrested Sunday 5th April when he tried to board a plane to Hong Kong.

The police searched his studio, seized many items and interrogated his team. Ai has often displeased the Chinese government by advocating more freedom of speech and democracy. 

The Guggenheim had launched an online petition, the Stedelijk supported this action. 

 

Editorial by Salman Rushdie on the arrest of Ai Weiwei that appeared in the New York Times