HDNet's "Dan Rather Reports" to Air Breaking News - the Final U.S. Interview With Chinese Dissident Ai Weiwei Before He Disappeared

Ai tells DRR crew, "Nobody can stop the course of change. You know there are people asking to be happy and free, and enjoy life. No power can stop that. It's only a matter of time."

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HDNet

Apr 04, 2011, 03:58 ET

DALLAS, April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT: Tomorrow night's "Dan Rather Reports," will air what has now become the last U.S. television interview with Chinese activist Ai Weiwei. On Sunday, Ai was arrested at the Beijing airport by authorities and he hasn't been seen or heard from since.

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A producer and crew from "Dan Rather Reports" have been in China for the past several weeks and they spoke at length with Ai Weiwei at his Beijing studio.

One of the most famous Chinese dissidents, Ai Weiwei is also a world renowned artist and architect. He designed the so-called "birds nest" stadium that was the centerpiece of China's 2008 Olympic Games. But he has also been a constant thorn in the side of Chinese authorities, especially with his postings on the Internet.

He's been detained before and suffered a brain hemorrhage after a beating by police.

During his interview he spoke of his fear of being arrested:

http://blip.tv/file/4975209

Ai had also been interviewed before by HDNet, for a story on "HDNet World Report," which also airs Tuesday night. The "World Report" story focuses on the Chinese government's destruction of artists' residences and studios to make room for high-end real estate development.

WHEN: "Dan Rather Reports: The Dissident Disappeared" airs tomorrow night, April 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

"HDNet World Report: Chinese Artists Fight back" also airs tomorrow night, April 5, right after Dan Rather Reports, at 9:00 p.m. ET.

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SOURCE HDNet