BEIJING — A detained Swedish bookseller at the centre of an escalating row between Western governments and China has accused Sweden of using him as a “chess piece” in a media appearance arranged by Chinese police. The statement from Gui, who spoke in a detention facility flanked by police, was immediately denounced by rights activists as coerced. In a 20-minute appearance on Friday, Gui told reporters that officials in Sweden had “sensationalized” his case for political purposes ahead of this year’s general election, according to the Post. But earlier in the week, China’s foreign ministry heavily criticized Sweden for advocating on Gui’s behalf and warned against efforts to interfere in Chinese judicial matters. It is not the first time Gui, 53, has been detained by Chinese authorities, nor is it his first interview conducted in Chinese captivity.

Source: National Post February 10, 2018 03:30 UTC