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China's key dissident 'never sorry'

Published time: July 28, 2012 15:35
Edited time: July 28, 2012 19:35
 Ai Weiwei (AFP Photo / Ed Jones)

China’s most famous artist, who designed Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium for the 2008 Olympics, has become the subject of a documentary film, “Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry”.

­Last year Weiwei was detained without charge and held in solitary confinement for nearly three months as part of a government crackdown on dissidents, sparking an international outcry among artists and human rights activists.

Many assume that the creator of the work in which 100 million ceramic sunflower seeds filled Turbine Hall in London's Tate Modern museum was punished for speaking out publicly about the Communist leadership and social problems in China.

Weiwei’s installations and performances feature political and social connotations and tackle the issues of freedom, civil rights and morality.

The 54-year-old dissident has been accused by the Chinese government of owing back taxes and of late payments. Last year he managed to pay a bond of nearly one million euros; the sum was raised by his fans and supporters.

Comments (3)

Soh (unregistered) 29.07.2012 02:37

Most famous artist? I doubt it. Most famous Chinese artist for the Western Manipulators. The Chinese government is not perfect but I see great progress. It does not just happen automatically. There are millions upon millions of Chinese and a lot of foreigners who have sacrificed their lives and put in so much efforts for China. I can't stand these people that have not done much for their country; standing on the side heaping criticisms on their government and destabilizing the society. There will be some idiots who will follow them. What have they done for their country? He did not design the "Bird's Nest". He had a little input to the design, thats all.

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Kaela Creighton (unregistered) 28.07.2012 23:41

You should see what America does to dissidents.  It's disgusting.  We are young.  Now I'm trapped forever like this unless God/Putin wants to forgive me of original sin and send me on my way.  +says little prayer+  I do not know good from evil.  Yes, master.  This is like the fifth time I've tried to repent.

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Francesco 28.07.2012 22:30

Yeah,another "dissident" from the Old World,pro-democracy and anti-socialist,Ai Weiwei will learn now what the real, practical meaning of "freedom and justice for all..." in the West,you have the choice of working when you can find a job or be poor and sick,homeless when you don't have $$$.I am tired of these dissidents who sometimes have made a career in the US,Europe,just from being known as dissidents.It is obviously because the West like these dissidents and use them at home to illustrate their propaganda against different political,historical regimes,without really knowing the past of these countries,and whythe communist ideology came to rule at some point in History.Look atthe Cuban Revolution and those Cuban dissidents in Miami who cameas political refugees to the US getting paid for it,just for talking crapabout F.Castro.Then they should thank Fidel for being the reason whythey can now live in the US.Same thing happened with the Soviet Union,China,Burma,NK orea...Yeah,escaping the injustices of socialistcommunist nations,try the US "democracy"with the Electoral Collegeinstead of direct vote,and spend your life obsessed with $$$ and BUYeverything you need,including education,health,ret irement...MrWeiweiwe lcome to the Western lifestyle,and its social Darwinism,and itsMalthusian demographers...

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