Hong Kong: Hong Kong has deported the
sculptor of a statue at the center of scuffles between
pro-democracy activists and police, a legislator said today,
ahead of the city`s annual Tiananmen Square vigil.
Local media said police arrested 13 people Saturday in
clashes with demonstrators who erected the "Goddess of
Democracy" -- a replica of a statue built by students during
the Beijing protests 21 years ago.
Chen Weiming, a New Zealand national who lives in the
United States, arrived in Hong Kong late yesterday to check on
his statue`s condition and was detained and deported, said
legislator James To.
"(Chen) came here on his own initiative to inspect the
condition of his creation," To told agency.
Immigration department officials questioned Chen about
his visit, To said.
The sculptor was then asked to sign a document saying he
agreed to leave and was deported when he declined, To added,
saying authorities denied him access to his deportation order
until it was too late to fight the decision in court.
"They used dirty tricks to ensure his deportation," To
said, calling Chen an "ordinary sculptor".
"It`s very clear -- this is because of the June 4
(Tiananmen) anniversary. Hong Kong and the government in
Beijing want to suppress any political activities."
PTI
