BEIJING - POLICE in Beijing have refused to explain why they detained outspoken Chinese artist and social critic Ai Weiwei, his wife said on Monday, amid fears that authorities are expanding a crackdown on dissent.
The prominent artist - who helped design Beijing's famed 'Bird's Nest' Olympic stadium - was taken into custody on Sunday at Beijing's international airport as he prepared to board a flight, Lu Qing told AFP.
'As he was being detained, police came to the house with a search warrant and searched everywhere,' Ms Lu said by telephone.
'They took the computer, computer disks and other materials. They refused to say why the search warrant was issued or why Ai Weiwei was taken away.' Several of Ai's assistants were also detained for questioning on Sunday, but later released, said Ms Lu, adding that she was not under house arrest.
Beijing police refused to comment on Ai's detention when contacted by AFP on Monday. The artist's detention comes after scores of dissidents, activists, and right lawyers have been rounded up in recent weeks, with many placed under house arrest or disappearing into police custody.
The clampdown followed anonymous online calls which emerged in February for protests each Sunday around the country to demand political change in China - aimed at emulating those that have rocked the Arab world. -- AFP
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