Chinese authorities ordered artist Ai Weiwei to pay 15 million yuan ($2.36

Chinese authorities ordered artist Ai Weiwei to pay 15 million yuan ($2.36 million) in alleged back taxes in what the vocal rights activist called an effort to “crush” him.

The tax bill comes after Ai was released in June from 81 days in secretive police custody, a detention authorities said was over tax evasion but during which he said he was repeatedly interrogated over his calls for human rights.

Ai, 54, a globally renowned conceptual artist who is famous for his part in designing Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” Olympic Stadium, said he may be able to appeal against the tax bill, but only after it is paid.

He was seeking to consult lawyers and tax experts, he said.

His mother has offered to sell the house left to the family by Ai’s father, the late Ai Qing, a well known poet praised by the Communist Party, but who also suffered political persecution.

Ai called the tax an “injustice” and alleged it was a political move by the government to silence him.

Police who took Ai into custody early this year met with the artist on Monday and urged him to abide by the tax ruling, he said.

Ai said the tax was being charged to him as “the actual controller” of the Beijing FAKE Cultural Development Ltd, a company where he works but which is owned by his wife.

Ai, whose detention sparked outrage around the world, was released in June in a move authorities said was due to his “good attitude” in admitting to the charges against him, his willingness to repay taxes he owes and on medical grounds. He has diabetes.

Following his release from detention, Ai was warned not to publicly discuss his case or accept interviews from foreign journalists.

Source AFP