Ai Weiwei Released

Artist and activist Ai Weiwei has been released by Chinese authorities after three months of detention. Ai Weiwei is a vocal critic of the anti-democratic regime in China and his detention had become an international rallying point for human rights activists.

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  In this Jan. 21, 2010 photo, artist Ai Weiwei speaks during an interview at his studio in Beijing, China. Chinese state media say renowned activist artist Ai Weiwei has been released on bail after confessing to tax evasion. The Xinhua News Agency says Ai's poor health was also a factor in his release Wednesday, June 22, 2011. (AP Photo/Alexander F. Yuan) BEIJING (AP)--Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has returned home after nearly three months in detention and says his health is fine. Ai thanked reporters waiting outside his studio Wednesday for their support but said under the conditions of his release he was not able to say more. The activist was one of the most high-profile victims of a sweeping crackdown on activists in China this year. The official Xinhua News Agency said Ai was released on bail after confessing to tax evasion. It said that Ai's poor health was also a factor in his release. The three-paragraph report said Ai had shown a "good attitude in confessing his crimes" and pledged to pay taxes he owed.

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  Visitors are wearing masks showing the portrait of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei at the international art show Art 42 Basel, in Basel, Switzerland, on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. Art 42 Basel features more than 300 leading art galleries from all continents. Contemporary art works by over 2500 artists will be on display from June 15 through June 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Keystone, Georgios Kefalas)