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Foreign Minister Westerwelle greatly concerned at arrest of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei
Speaking about the arrest by Chinese security forces in Beijing of renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle issued the following statement today (4 April):
“I was greatly concerned to hear that Ai Weiwei had been prevented from travelling out of China on Sunday and had been held under arrest since. Over the last few days, I spoke out in Beijing with all due clarity for freedom of opinion and human dignity. I call on the Chinese Government to ensure that this matter is swiftly clarified, and I expect Ai Weiwei to be released without delay.”
Ai Weiwei has particularly close ties with Germany and is planning to open a studio in Berlin.