Dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has accepted a visiting teaching post at the Berlin University of the Arts, the university said Wednesday, but it did not know when he could leave China to take up the position.
|Last Updated: Jul 14, 2011, 05:55 PM IST|Source: Bureau
Berlin: Dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has accepted a visiting teaching post at the Berlin University of the Arts, the university said Wednesday, but it did not know when he could leave China to take up the position.
The prominent 54-year-old artist and critic of China`s ruling Communist Party was released last month from more than two months in detention for suspected tax evasion, and is currently not allowed to talk to the media.
His detention sparked criticism from Western governments over China`s treatment of rights activists.
University President Martin Rennert called Ai`s response a "positive signal" he would be able to assume his post soon.
The university made its offer to the artist in April, shortly after he was stopped from boarding a flight to Hong Kong from Beijing and detained by border police.
The detention of the artist and four of his associates marked the start of a case the Chinese government said was about suspected tax evasion, while Ai`s supporters said it was a way to muzzle government critics.
Beijing`s tax authorities have asked Ai to pay 12 million yuan ($1.9 mln) in back taxes and fines.
Ai, who has ties to the German capital, said in March before his arrest that he planned to open a studio in Berlin as his European base.
Bureau Report
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.