Beijing [China], January 10 (HBTV): Chinese authorities in Xi'an have detained Fei Xiaosheng, a well-known musician and performance artist, over his support for the Hong Kong democracy movement. Fei, 55, was apprehended by police on Tuesday and is currently being held at the Beilin Detention Center, according to sources familiar with him through the Songzhuang Artists' Village, a community of dissident and fringe artists in Beijing, Radio Free Asia reported.

Fei's arrest is part of an ongoing crackdown by the ruling Communist Party on artists and creative professionals whose work or opinions are deemed subversive. Authorities have also detained Gao Zhen, one half of the Gao Brothers artistic duo, on charges of 'insulting revolutionary heroes and martyrs' after confiscating satirical artwork featuring Chairman Mao from his studio.

Fellow artist Du Yinghong, now living in Thailand, expressed his shock on social media after learning of Fei's detention.'Two years ago, we communicated several times, and he mentioned that he envied me for living outside of China,' Du wrote. 'Just a few days ago, we had a video call, and I learned that he had applied for a passport, travelled to Serbia, but somehow ended up back in the confines of our country.'

Du added, 'He had mentioned that he planned to leave again soon and asked me to add his European phone number, but then we received the unfortunate news that he had been arrested.' Du later informed RFA Mandarin that Fei is being held at the Beilin Detention Center in Xi'an, but authorities have not issued an official notice of his detention.

'This is part of their cultural purge and a way to settle scores,' Du said, noting that Fei was likely targeted for his public support of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.'Fei Xiaosheng is a devout Christian who once showed solidarity with Hong Kong and was detained for over 40 days because of it,' Du added.

In 2020, Fei was expelled from the Songzhuang Artists' Village by state security police. Du noted that Fei used to organize music and performance art festivals in Songzhuang and that authorities even burned his old passport.'He had returned to China from Serbia for work and was about to leave the country again,' Du said.

Writer He Sanpo, also living in Thailand, expressed sadness over Fei's detention but said he was not surprised.'But those truly dedicated to making art know that China is finished,' He said. 'In today's China, if you have a conscience and speak a few truths, you'll be committing a crime. The only option is to escape from it.'

Fei's detention coincides with the impending trial of Gao Zhen, whose case is expected to be heard next week at the Xianghe County People's Court in Hebei province, possibly on Monday. Gao's friends told RFA Mandarin that his lawyer has been warned not to disclose any details of the case publicly. (ANI)