Spent 81 days in prison for “economic crimes”
Internationally renowned artist Ai Weiwei has been released from prison in China after 81 days in detention. Perhaps best known for helping to design the famous Bird’s Nest stadium built for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Ai is also an outspoken activist in China. His disappearance on April 3 sparked an international outcry. Chinese authorities say they were investigating him for “economic crimes,” and that he has been released “because of his good attitude in confessing to his crimes.” Ai told reporters over the phone that he is “fine” and happy to be back with his family. Human rights activists say Ai’s arrest was purely political. Several other artists and dissidents have been arrested in recent months as part of what many say is one of China’s most severe crackdowns on dissent in decades.