2008 Beijing Olympics Stadium Designer Arrested

Why would anyone announce that Ai Weiwei is a plagiarist without proof? The Chinese authorities, of course, do not have truthful news media, so how are we to believe the Government of China? "The Bird's Nest - or National Stadium - was designed by award-winning Swiss firm Herzog and de Meuron and Chinese architect Li Xinggang." Weiwei, however, WAS solicited to serve as a consultant for Herzog and de Meuron."

The Chinese Government is now accusing Weiwei of economic crimes--a typical charge aimed at political activists. Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist AND political activist, and China will not stand for one of their famous artists being a dissident. The Chinese Gov. also accuse Ai of plagiarizing a 2007 exhibit by by a Chinese professor. This, according to Yue Luping (the professor who presented the exhibit), is a false accusation. In addition Xinggang has not accused Weiwei of plagiarism either.

Credible link on this topic:

http://hyperallergic.com/22490/ai-plagiarizer-hk-protest

China's government has already beaten AI into "a bloody pulp" for his "dissident streak" before this incident, and all those concerned for his health and safety are now worried that the Chinese Government has imprisoned Ai, or worse, executed him (although this is unconfirmed by the Government). The Chinese Government is also looking for a way to NOT make it seem that China is against dissidents, or that China is willing to impose severe and punishment for dissidence .

Many dissidents and dissident leaders feel that the Chinese Gov. "concocted" this plagiarism story; Ai has no record of plagiarism. It is thought by many in China, plagiarism charges against Ai, by the Chinese Gov., seem a better choice and a better chance of finding someone guilty of a crime already "on the books." This type of crime will cause "less of a stir" among the Chinese people.

ann keenan of MI 1:46AM April 13, 2011