Chinese authorities have released dissident artist Ai on bail

Beijing - Chinese authorities have released dissident artist Ai Weiwei on bail. The New China agency announced today, explaining that Ai confessed to his crimes, namely tax evasion. Another reason is said to be his chronic illness.
According to Ai's sister, Kao Ke, the artist has returned to his home in Beijing. He is reportedly in relatively good health, although he has lost significant weight. Ai thanked reporters for their support, but he reportedly cannot say more due to the conditions of his release, according to the AP agency.
The artist suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes. During his detention, which was not in a regular prison, he was reportedly well cared for. He was allowed long walks and his blood pressure was regularly monitored.
The avant-garde artist Ai Weiwei, who has had tense relations with the Chinese communist regime for many years, was arrested during a series of crackdowns on dissent in early April, when he was preparing to leave China. Since then, he had been held at an unknown location near the Chinese capital. His wife was only allowed to visit him briefly under supervision once.
"Ai Weiwei was released on bail for good behavior, as he confessed to his crimes and also due to the chronic illness he suffers from," quoted New China, citing the police in the metropolis of Beijing. In making the decision, it was also taken into account that Ai had repeatedly stated that "he is prepared to pay the unpaid taxes," the agency added.
Ai's family denies all accusations.
The secret detention of Ai, one of the most well-known Chinese dissidents abroad, has provoked decisive protests in Western countries and in foreign cultural centers.
Ai Weiwei participated as an architect in the construction project of the "Bird's Nest," a stadium built specifically for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He even referred to the Games as a "forced smile" of China. His harsh criticisms aimed at Chinese leaders, whom Ai called gangsters, and his involvement in humanitarian activities have made him an enemy of the ruling regime.
In the past, Ai Weiwei's father, Ai Qing, a famous poet and member of the Communist Party, also had a contentious relationship with the regime. He was sent to a labor camp but was later rehabilitated.