AFP - Police refused to provide explanations on the reasons for the arrest of the artist Ai Weiwei, his wife said Monday as a wave of repression has fallen on dissent in China.
This outspoken government critic, known abroad, was arrested Sunday at the Beijing International Airport as he prepared to board, confirmed his wife, Lu Qing, told AFP.
His aides had said he wanted to go to Hong Kong and that police had raided his studio in north-east of Beijing.
"So we stopped him, the police came home with a search warrant and searched everywhere," added his wife by telephone.
"They took the computer and other equipment," said Lu Qing, "they refused to give the reason for the search warrant or arrest of Ai Weiwei.
More assistants to the artist were questioned and released Sunday, said Lu, adding that she herself had not been under house arrest.
Contacted by AFP, Beijing City Police refused to comment on Ai.
His arrest comes at a particularly difficult for critics of Chinese communist regime, dozens of whom were detained under house arrest or far from home in recent weeks as Beijing fears contagion of revolt in the Arab world, as organizations Defence of Human Rights.
Ai Weiwei's arrest was greeted with concern by those organizations.
"The Chinese government is intensifying its policy of harassment against the latest symbols of dissent and seeks to silence all critical voices," said Reporters Without Borders.
"We urge the international community to respond forcefully to the arrests of dissidents and bloggers who follow each other at a pace not seen in China."
Ai Weiwei had said last week the AFP will open a studio in Germany to exhibit his work, saying they are frustrated by the obstacles he experienced in China.
"What happens here is very discouraging and I want to keep working, I must find a basis," said Ai, who is known for monumental exhibitions including, most recently in London.
On Monday, his cellphone rang in the air and his Twitter was dumb.The major Chinese websites have been redacted information of his arrest.
"Since mid-February, the GOVERNMENT has stepped up pressure on militants in recent days and the repression was even stronger," noted Hong Kong's Defenders of Human Rights in China, in reaction to the arrest of the artist.
