The artist Ai Weiwei has again criticised China's leaders for lacking vision and refusing to permit dissenting voices, saying the government's mantra of maintaining stability is merely a ruse to protect illicit benefits and special interests. The country's best-known artist said in a videotaped message posted online yesterday that he would continue to fight for human rights and freedom of expression.
"Freedom of expression is a very essential condition for me to make any art," he said. "Also, it is an essential value for my life. I have to protect this right."
AP
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