Guest Comments by Jens Galschiot

Editor's Note: Galschiot, a well-known Danish sculptor, often addresses human-rights issues.

CONCERNING BEIJING – Recently the renowned artist Ai Weiwei was arrested by Chinese police when trying to travel to Hong Kong. Attempts to contact the artist have been in vain, and the Chinese authorities say little that's reliable on the issue. Allegedly, some financial crime lies at the core of the issue. This accusation is dubious and can be used for anything.

Twice, I've been denied entry to Hong Kong due to artistic commitment in co-operation with the democracy movement. I'm permanently banned from entering China.

Energetically, I condemn the arrest of Ai Weiwei. He's one of the world's most prominent artists, makes outstanding artworks and lately has made a comprehensive exhibition at Tate Modern. All these activities highlight that China has become an important part of the international art scene. Ai Weiwei stands as a prominent representative of the Chinese people, promising for the future.

Again, China displays its totalitarian face to the world by committing an encroachment on its own citizens. This shameful act shows that China still has a long way to go before it can be regarded as a state with the rule of law protecting its citizens against the arbitrary abuse of power.

Artists worldwide should express their protests against the detention of Ai Weiwei. Likewise, I request all democratic governments to condemn the arrest. This abuse should not go unheeded, especially as China ranks among the West's main trade partners. We have a special obligation to speak.

I summon the governments of Hong Kong and Taiwan to protest too. These places, where Chinese people enjoy free speech, have special obligations to express their disapproval of such infringements by the Chinese mainland. Maybe the Chinese government will heed criticism from its own compatriots.

ARCHIVES