Ai WeiWei

One of our rights most held dear is the right to free speech. Whether its discussing religion, politics, entertainment, the environment or any other great debate, we as Americans can sit comfortably knowing that, for the most part, well will not be persecuted for our outspoken beliefs. However, something as simple as speaking one's mind in other parts of the world is a big "No, no." And sadly, questions of free speech have once again crept into art. On Sunday, China's best known artist, Ai WeiWei, one of the artists who helped on the Beijing Olympic Bird's Nest, was arrested with a few friends and family. The friends and family have since been released, yet the artists whereabouts are unknown at this time.
Being harassed by the state is nothing knew for WeiWei as he has been in and out of house arrests for a long time, but his disappearance has concerned and frightened friends, family, and fans as it was generally assumed he was too high-profile a figure to be targeted by the government. The state says they arrested him for economic crimes, but have failed to really explain why, what, or where the artist is.

While it's very possible that WeiWei may have been taken for very real and legitimate charges, the situation , lack of information, lack of cooperation, and China's checkered past with human rights seem to suggest there is something else happening here.

Full article below:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/An-artist-s-arrest-draws-the-red-line/Article1-682514.aspx