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Ai Weiwei to appeal tax bill to shame Chinese system
The case of the artist accused of tax evasion has created a lot of solidarity among ordinary people and dissidents. Public security tries to stop the visits and donations, needed to pay 8.25 million Yuan and the launch appeal.
Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The artist and activist Ai Weiwei said today that his battle against the tax authorities in Beijing is an "opportunity" to shame the type of regime that exists in the country.
"We can use this as a chance - he told some journalists - to make the world understand what kind of system they are working with. This is a real opportunity. "
Ai, who was imprisoned for 81 days at an undisclosed location, said he was ready to challenge the charges of tax evasion against him, since it is motivated by political reasons.
Ai, 54, had to pay by today 15 million Yuan in taxes evaded in recent years by a company linked to him. The charge arose after his release last June, and after he failed to stop talking and meeting with press, against the specific demands of police. In order to appeal against the fine, he had to pay at least the last half of the amount, 8.25 million Yuan, which he managed to raise through donations come from his friends and supporters, who even arrived at throwing bunches of crumpled notes into his backyard.
The artist, known for having participated in the design of the "Bird's Nest" stadium, is one of the most famous personalities to have criticized the regime’s injustices towards workers, migrants and dissidents and he is committed to democracy.
Ai’s case has created a strong solidarity among dissidents, activists and ordinary people. In recent days, the public security had put pressure on other dissidents like Hu Jia not publicize the case and to prevent people going to Ai Weiwei’s home to donate money.