China bans Australian author from literary festival

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Updated March 10, 2010 10:46:28

The Shanghai Literary Festival is underway with a delegation of Australian authors taking part - with the exception of one prominent novelist. Robert Dessaix is HIV positive and his visa application to attend the festival has been knocked back by the Chinese government on what he believes to be health grounds. Now Australia's leading authors, many who are already in Shanghai, have rallied to the support of Robert Dessaix. More than 90-Australian and international writers have signed a letter protesting against China's decision - a decision which they've described as ignorant and prejudice.

Presenter: Sonja Heydeman
Speakers: Bruce Jacobs, Professor of Asian Languages Studies, Monash University; Bernard Schwartlander, Country Director in China, UNAIDS; Robert Dessaix, Australian author

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