China's Ai Weiwei pulls works from Denmark

Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei is withdrawing his works from two museums in Denmark to protest a controversial new law that allows Danish authorities to seize valuables from refugees.

Ai announced on social media Wednesday that he no longer wanted to have his works on display at the Aros museum in Aarhus and the Faurschou Foundation in Copenhagen.

Curator Jennie Haagemann told AP that Ai called the owner of the Faurschou Foundation to inform him of his decision.

Aros museum officials said they didn't know anything beyond what Ai had posted on Twitter and Instagram.

Museum director Erlend Hoeyersten said he has "great respect" for Ai's criticism of Danish immigration policies, "but I also find it unreasonable that an entire people is punished for the government's policies."

Ai Weiwei has been supportive of rights for refugees and established a studio on the Greek island of Lesvos, an arrival point for tens of thousands searching for a better life in Europe.

Many others were outraged by the decision that was finalized in the Danish Parliament yesterday, even calling for boycotts and saying that they would no longer travel to the country.   

— gordon kinsella (@gordonkerfuffle) January 14, 2016 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post @GoVisitDenmark @TheAcademy Your country attempts 2push through laws that take all valuable possessions from Refugees #DenmarkBoycott — gordon kinsella (@gordonkerfuffle) January 14, 2016

Twitter users felt that Denmark could do far more to help those fleeing war and persecution.

 

— Kareem Shaheen (@kshaheen) January 27, 2016 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post Lebanon has over a million goddamn refugees! And Denmark has to rob the couple hundred of the only thing left in the world? — Kareem Shaheen (@kshaheen) January 27, 2016

— Sherif Elsayed-Ali (@sherifea) January 27, 2016 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. I will take their things. #Denmark — Sherif Elsayed-Ali (@sherifea) January 27, 2016

— Migrants Rights Net (@migrants_rights) January 26, 2016 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post #Denmark takes its place in the queue behind traffickers, gangsters etc to give refugees a shakedown. Nice company! https://t.co/sQ637axIxf — Migrants Rights Net (@migrants_rights) January 26, 2016

 

Many likened the plans to the confiscation of gold and other valuables from Jews by the Nazis during the Holocaust.

— Dr. Anna Scott (@annascottpiano) January 27, 2016 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post One of those days you see 'never again' messages juxtaposed with news of the confiscation of refugees' possessions. #HolocaustMemorialDay — Dr. Anna Scott (@annascottpiano) January 27, 2016

 

— Khan Farooq (@Khan_Kent) January 27, 2016 " style="color:#fff;" class="twitter-post-link" target="_blank">Twitter Post Denmark marked the Holocaust day by approving refugee bill allowing police to seize asylum seekers' cash and valuables. — Khan Farooq (@Khan_Kent) January 27, 2016

 

Denmark also recently passed laws that would mean refugees need to wait at least three years before applying for family reunification, a move that would keep loved-ones separated for up to five years.  

The country was a popular gateway for thousands of refugees attempting to reach neighbouring Sweden, perceived by many to have more liberal refugee laws. 

However, the intoduction of passport checks between the two countries has reportedly led to an increase in asylum applications in Denmark. 


Agencies contributed to this report.