Artist Ai Weiwei protests Danish migrants ruling by withdrawing his work

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

“Basically it’s an insult to human dignity to have that kind of policy,” Ai said from Lesbos, the Greek island where many migrants enter Europe from Turkey.

The Danish parliament on Tuesday approved a government proposal requiring migrants to hand over valuables worth more than €1,300 to help cover their housing and food costs while their cases are being processed.

Human rights activists have denounced the move as degrading and inhumane.

The Danish government says it is applying the same rules to migrants as to Danes who get social benefits.

Ai announced on social media that he was withdrawing his works from exhibitions at the Aros museum in Aarhus and the Faurschou Foundation in Copenhagen.

“They are shaking, they are wet and they are just trying to escape from war.

"They are not beggars. This is about their dignity,” he said.