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Ai Weiwei, one of China’s most famous artists, is now violating the terms of his release from custody. Ai was detained at Beijing Airport on April 3 and imprisoned until June 22, when he was released on bail on condition that he not talk to the media or use Twitter for a year.
Chinese authorities claim Ai has $2 million in unpaid taxes and has distributed pornography. Friends and family deny the claims, saying his imprisonment was politically motivated. Although initially adhering to the terms of his release, Ai has since begun talking with Chinese and foreign media, including the Wall Street Journal, and has resumed posting political messages on Twitter.
He appears to have given his friends approval to do the same. Ai said, “I did what I think is necessary and I’ll take the consequences. I can’t be alive and not express my feelings.”
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