Ai Weiwei vows to fight for rights

The artist Ai Weiwei has again criticised China's leaders for lacking vision and refusing to permit dissenting voices, saying the government's mantra of maintaining stability is merely a ruse to protect illicit benefits and special interests. The country's best-known artist said in a videotaped message posted online yesterday that he would continue to fight for human rights and freedom of expression.

"Freedom of expression is a very essential condition for me to make any art," he said. "Also, it is an essential value for my life. I have to protect this right."

AP