Chinese artist Ai Weiwei freed; can't move out of Beijing

Beijing, Jun 23: The Chinese Communist government has released the artist and activist Ai Weiwei after 81 days in detention.

China's foreign ministry said that the 54-year-old Ai Weiwei, who is one of the most vocal critics of the Chinese Communist Party, cannot leave the capital without permission.

"During this period, Ai Weiwei is still under investigation. Without permission... he is not allowed to leave his area of residence," foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

According to Chinese government officials, Ai Weiwei, who was arrested for allegedly evading huge amount of taxes and intentionally destroying accounting documents, was bailed "because of his good attitude in confessing his crimes as well as a chronic disease he suffers from."

China's police said that Ai Weiwei admitted his faults and agreed to pay back the money.

"The decision comes also in consideration of the fact that Ai has repeatedly said he is willing to pay the taxes he evaded," China's official Xinhua news agency reported.

Officials detained Ai Weiwei from the main Beijing airport on Apr 3 as he prepared to board a flight to Hong Kong.

OneIndia News