Artist detained for posting humorous portrait of China’s president
The wife of a Chinese artist says the authorities have detained him after he posted a humorous portrait of President Xi Jinping online.
Judy Zhu said police have accused artist Dai Jianyong of creating a disturbance after they detained him on Tuesday near their Shanghai home.
Shanghai police did not respond to calls asking for comment on Thursday.
Dai is known for posting eclectic photographs on social media, including some showing himself and others scrunching up their lips and eyes.
He posted images of Xi with the same expression while wearing a moustache. He has also printed stickers of the portrait of Xi.
The authorities have tightened their grip on political dissent and have cracked down on artists who supported pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong last year.
Dai could face up to five years in prison if convicted of the offence.
