Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei Detained at Zurich Airport

Prominent dissident artist Ai Weiwei forced to spend night at Zurich airport after being denied entry to Switzerland due to visa issues, sparking diplomatic tensions.

Key Takeaways

Ai Weiwei was denied entry to Switzerland due to visa issues at Zurich airport
Ai Weiwei is currently a resident of Portugal
The artist was forced to spend Tuesday night at Zurich airport
Ai Weiwei is 67 years old
He previously lived in Berlin until 2019 before moving to Cambridge, UK

By The Numbers

90 days

Maximum stay duration with Schengen visa

81 days

Duration of detention in Beijing in 2011

They Said

"I'm sleeping on a bench with a blanket tonight and waiting to be deported at 6:50 am next morning."
— Ai Weiwei

"not an open culture"
— Ai Weiwei describing Germany

Prominent Chinese Artist Detained at Zurich Airport

Visa Complications and Immigration Issues

Artist's Response and Social Media Impact

Background and International Context

Swiss Immigration Policy and Diplomatic Implications

Sources & References

Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei barred from entering Switzerland

Le News