After criticising Israel for its scorched-earth military operation in Gaza and defending Palestinian human rights, Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei had his long-planned exhibition at the famed Lisson Gallery in London abruptly cancelled in November. When asked about the experience at the weekend on Sky’s Sunday Morning, a current affairs TV programme in Britain, the 66-year-old likened it to political censorship in China.

“I grew up within this heavy political censorship,” he said. “I realise now, today in the West, you are doing exactly the same.”

Referring to the suspension of two New York University professors for comments related to Gaza, he added: “This is really like a cultural revolution, which is really trying to destroy anybody who [has] different attitudes, not even a clear opinion. So I think that this is such a pity, that it happened in the West, so broadly in universities, in media, in every location. In universities or political sector – everywhere – you cannot talk about the truth.”