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Political censorship in the West today is “exactly the same” as it was in China under its ruthless communist leader Mao Zedong, exiled artist Ai Weiwei has told Sky News.
The 66-year-old dissident told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that “society becomes so timid, to really avoid any kind of questioning or argument”.
He was responding to a question about the cancellation of his exhibition by the Lisson Gallery in London in November following comments on social media referencing the Israel-Hamas conflict.
His post, which was subsequently deleted, suggested the “sense of guilt around the persecution of the Jewish people” had been transferred and used against the Arab world.
He also argued the Jewish community had a significant influence in the media, finance and culture in the US, and that America’s $3bn (£2.45bn) annual military aid to Israel meant the two countries had a “shared destiny”.
Ai told Phillips: “You know, society becomes so timid, to really avoid any kind of questioning or argument.
“So basically I was talking on Twitter, just answering someone’s question.
“Normally you can talk, or whatever you like.
“You can joke, you can make fun, you can, you know, just give your opinions.
“But today I see so many people by giving their basic opinions, they get fired, they get censored.
“This has become very common.”
Referring to his own family’s exile when he was one year old, the activist said: “I grew up within this heavy political censorship.
“I realise now, today in the West, you are doing exactly the same.”
He drew parallels with the disastrous purge under Mao, which took China to the brink of anarchy.
Criticising the suspension of two New York University professors for comments related to Gaza, Ai said: “This is really like a cultural revolution, which is really trying to destroy…
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