China detains artist who posted humourous photo of president

BEIJING — The wife of a Chinese artist says authorities have detained him after he posted a humourous portrait of President Xi Jinping online.

Ms Judy Zhu said today (May 28) that police are accusing artist Dai Jianyong of creating a disturbance after detaining him Tuesday near their Shanghai home. Police there didn’t answer phones today.

Dai is known for posting eclectic photos on social media, including some showing himself and others scrunching up their lips and eyes. Dai posted images of Mr Xi with the same expression while wearing a moustache. He has also printed stickers with the Xi portrait.

Photos: Instagram/@coca96

Chinese authorities have tightened their grip on political dissent and have cracked down on Chinese artists who supported pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong last year. Dai faces up to five years in prison. AP