While the event itself initially seemed to have passed without comment [1] [it] by traditional media and bloggers in Italy, something is finally happening [2] [it] to call for the release of the Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei [3] [it], who has been presumed imprisoned by the Chinese authorities since April 3 [4]. The Pulitzer Association has issued an appeal [5] [it] to both the Italian president, Napolitano, and the Chinese premier Hu Jintao, the text of which is circulating online [6] [it]. For its part, the Associazione Italia-Tibet relaunched the petition for the release of Ai Weiwei [7] [it] supported by the Guggenheim Foundation. And while the accusation that Chinese authorities have violated human rights does not appear to be unfounded [8] [it], the China Media Project has translated a video where noted Chinese activist Zhao Lianhai, calls for the release of Ai Weiwei [9] and of other dissidents arrested in recent months.
Italy: Initiative in Support of Ai Weiwei
· Written by Giorgio Guzzetta Translated by Ciara Nugent
Categories: Breaking News, Citizen Media, Digital Activism, Freedom of Speech, Human Rights, Humanitarian Response