Chinese artist Ai Weiwei released after ‘confessing crimes’

RENOWNED Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, among the most prominent activists detained in China’s recent crackdown, was released on bail after state media said he confessed to tax evasion, accusations his family has denied.

Ai said his health was fine as he thanked reporters outside his studio last night. But he said under the conditions of his release he was unable to say any more.

Hundreds of Chinese lawyers, activists and other intellectuals have disappeared or been questioned or detained by authorities in the ongoing clampdown, and those released have almost universally kept silent, possibly fearing repercussions.