09/27/2012, 00.00
CHINA
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"Disgraceful" court decision against artist Ai Weiwei

A court refuses (for the second time) his appeal against the fine of 15 million Yuan for tax evasion. Mounting popular support for him. Banned from leaving China.

Beijing (AsiaNews) - The Court of Chaoyang District has refused to consider an appeal of the artist and dissident Ai Weiwei, who refuses to pay 15 million Yuan (1.5 million euro) for tax evasion. An earlier appeal was rejected in July. The artist has branded the attitude of the judges as "disgraceful" because they make any defense against abuses by the government impossible. The case is seen by many as an attempt to cement and destroy the artist, who has always been strongly critical of the Party's policies and the social conditions of the Chinese population.

Ai Weiwei is one of the designers of the "Bird's Nest" stadium, which became famous during the Beijing Olympics. Last year he disappeared in police custody for three months. As soon as he reappeared, he was accused of tax evasion.

The efforts of the government to silence Ai Weiwei however are leading to greater publicity for his already great reputation. As soon as he was sentenced to pay the huge fine, at least 30 thousand people in China offered him money as a sign of their support, even throwing bundles of notes in the courtyard of his house.

After his "disappearance", the police placed him under house arrest and ordered him not to talk to the media. Ai has always maintained contact with his supporters via Internet and webcam, until the authorities removed them also. Ai is banned from leaving the country.

 

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