Hong Kong cancels dissident cartoonist show after China’s ‘threats’
As Hong Kong becomes increasingly concerned about Beijing’s strong-arm tactics, Badiucao’s exhibition is cancelled over safety concerns
Hong Kong — Hong Kong organisers of an exhibition by a dissident Chinese-Australian cartoonist, a persistent thorn in the side of leaders in Beijing, canceled the event in the Chinese-ruled city on Friday given what they said were threats by China. The exhibition by Badiucao was to have been his first international solo event. His work highlights themes including rights violations and abuse of power under Chinese Communist Party rule and he often satirises President Xi Jinping. “We are sorry to announce that the exhibition ‘Gongle’, by Chinese artist Badiucao, has been cancelled out of safety concerns,” wrote the organisers, Hong Kong Free Press, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, in a statement. “The decision follows threats made by the Chinese authorities relating to the artist. Whilst the organisers value freedom of expression, the safety of our partners remains a major concern.” The statement did not specify the threats. China’s representative liaison office in...
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