Wife Is Allowed to See Jailed Chinese Activist

Posted on May 16, 2011

Flickr / sanfamedia.com

Chinese officials have said Ai Weiwei is suspected of economic crimes, but relatives believe his detention is retaliation for his social and political activism.

According to his wife, who was granted a visit with the dissident artist for the first time in the six weeks since he was detained at an airport and accused of tax evasion, Chinese authorities seem to be looking after the physical welfare of Ai Weiwei. The news dispels earlier rumors that he was being physically tortured, though he appeared mentally distressed, his wife said. —ARK

Guardian:

Detained artist Ai Weiwei seems to be in good physical health but mentally conflicted and tense, his wife has said after seeing him for the first time in six weeks.

Lu Qing said she was taken to see her husband for about 20 minutes on Sunday afternoon, the first contact friends and relatives have had with the 53-year-old Chinese artist and activist since officials stopped him at Beijing airport on 3 April.

... Ai was not handcuffed, was wearing his own clothes rather than a uniform, and retained his beard. He said he had his blood pressure checked several times a day and had received medication he needed for diabetes. He was able to exercise by walking and said he was eating and sleeping well.

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