Chinese embassy in Sweden warns of ‘bad consequences’ after Gui Minhai gets literary prize
- ‘Giving an award to such a criminal is an outright political farce … wrong deeds will only meet bad consequences,’ mission says
- Comments echo warnings made earlier by Chinese ambassador Gui Congyou, who said Culture Minister Amanda Lind would not be welcome in China if she attended award ceremony
China’s embassy in Sweden on Saturday repeated comments made by its ambassador that the European nation could face “bad consequences” for honouring detained bookseller Gui Minhai with a free speech literary prize.
“Despite strong opposition by the Chinese side, [literary organisation] Svenska PEN insisted on issuing an award to Gui Minhai, and the Culture Minister of Sweden [Amanda Lind] attended the ceremony, which the Chinese side expresses strong discontent and strong opposition against,” the mission said in a statement.
The comments came amid growing calls from local politicians for Gui Congyou, China’s ambassador to Sweden, to be expelled from the country for his provocative remarks.
The envoy said on Friday that granting the award would harm relations between the two countries and that Lind would not be welcome in China if she attended the award ceremony.
“As we have solemnly pointed out, Gui Minhai is a criminal that committed serious crimes in both China and Sweden,” the embassy said.