Ai Weiwei Released from Jail

Outspoken Chinese artist Ai Weiwei (艾未未) was released on bail Wednesday after spending nearly three months in jail, according to CNN.

The Chinese government had been holding Ai after arresting him at Beijing Capital International Airport in April. Though Ai has not been formally charged, Chinese authorities allege the business that handles Ai's art career, Beijing Fake Cultural Development Ltd., has evaded taxes and intentionally destroyed accounting documents.

Ai's release has come with conditions. He cannot speak publicly about his detainment, his case, and the plight of other dissidents who continue to be round up by the authorities. According to CNN, police said Ai was released on bail for "his good attitude in confessing his alleged crimes" and because he suffers from an unspecified chronic disease.

While Ai may be physically free, his release from jail does not make him a free man. Let's hope his release triggers the release of the dozens of other activists who are being held by the authorities.

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