China’s most famous dissident Ai Weiwei says he has “absolutely no hope” that a court today will repeal his more than $2 million fine for tax evasion in a case that critics accuse the authorities of using to muzzle the outspoken artist.
But Ai pledged to press on with legal challenges, ensuring that he will continue to be a thorn in the governments side.
Beijing’s Chaoyang District Court heard the case at a closed hearing last June. Ai (55) had called the hearing unfair after police warned him to stay away and blocked journalists from approaching the cramped court room, which only had five seats.
Tax authorities are demanding that the company that markets his work should pay a 15 million yuan penalty for tax evasion.
Supporters of Ai, whose 81-day detention last year sparked an international outcry, have said the tax case is part of the government’s effort to muzzle China’s most famous social critic.
“Absolutely no hope,” Ai told Reuters by telephone, when asked what he thought his chances were for a favourable verdict. – (Reuters)