Ai Weiwei pays bond to fight tax bill

China’s most famous critic, Ai Weiwei, has paid a bond of nearly one million euros as he sets about appealing a huge tax demand.

The dissident artist has been accused by the government of owing back taxes and of late payments.

The bond he has handed over was raised by his supporters, who claim the case against Ai is part of Beijing’s efforts to silence him.

It does not include a fine, which is also being demanded.

In April, the dissident was detained without charge and held mainly in solitary confinement until his conditional release in June.

He is said to be pessimistic about winning his appeal action.

Standing his ground, Ai Weiwei has become a rallying point for China’s dissidents and activists, under pressure since a government crackdown earlier this year brought a wave of detentions and arrests.

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