Apache Junction, Ariz., Apr. 11, 2011 -
Today the Pinal County Greens, a group of members of the Arizona Green Party in Pinal County, passed a resolution demanding that the Chinese government release Ai Weiwei, the most famous artist in China, best known for his iconic "Bird's Nest" stadium that was the focal point of the Beijing Olympics.
Ai Weiwei, a vocal critic of the Chinese government, was arrested on April 3 at Beijing Airport, his papers and computers seized, with his current whereabouts unknown in the wake of the repressive Beijing regime's latest severe crackdown against dissidents and freedom of expression.
Richard Grayson, co-chair of the Pinal County Greens, said the group's resolution reminded the Chinese government of its obligations under Article 35 of the Chinese constitution and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which it is a signatory, and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those currently detained in China for the peaceful exercise of their right to free expression, including Ai Weiwei.
- Ai Weiwei, White House (1999)
