BEIJING – Ai Weiwei, the internationally renowned Chinese artist detained by authorities for almost three months earlier this year, has said officials have ordered him to pay 15 million yuan (€1.7 million) in tax.
Beijing police released him in June, citing his ill health, good attitude in confessing his crimes and willingness to pay taxes he had evaded.
Mr Ai however has said he does not owe the money and would challenge the demand, adding: "It's a game they play all the time . . . They needed an excuse to take me away for 81 days." – (Guardian service)