Pedestrian strongly believes in individuals’ right to creative expression and the freedom of speech, which is why we encourage you to get involved in any upcoming protests, movements or petitions to contest the detention of fearless Chinese artist, social commentator and advocate for free speech Ai Weiwei (see the famous photo triptych of him dropping a Han Dynasty vase above).
Ai has been detained by the Chinese government since his arrest at Beijing International Airport on 3 April without a known criminal charge. Ai has not been in contact with family since that date and or local authorities have made no comment regarding his current whereabouts, despite Chinese laws requiring them to do so after 24-hours of arrest.
Leaders from around the world have rallied to demand the release of Ai, and over the last week a list of prominent Australians from the arts community including; David Malouf, Warwick Thornton, Tony Ayers, Benjamin Law, Jane Campion and Natalie Wood have put their names to an Open Letter calling on the Chinese Government to free Ai WeiWei. READ LETTER
If you are interested in joining their campaign for Ai’s release and in turn support our right to free speech there is a protest being held tomorrow, 23 June at 11 am at the Australian Chinese Consulate, 39 Dunblane Street, in Camperdown NSW.
For all the details head to the Protest For Ai Weiwei facebook page.
