World

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei freed

07:48 am on 23 June 2011

Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei has returned home having been freed after more than two months' detention.

He was bailed late on Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges of tax evasion, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

An outspoken critic of China's human rights record, his arrest in April prompted a global campaign for his release.

The 54-year-old told the BBC he was back home and in good health.

"I am already home, released on bail, I can't talk to media but I am well, thanks for all the media attention," he said.

Mr Ai was detained as he boarded a Beijing flight bound for Hong Kong.

Mr Ai helped to design the Bird's Nest stadium that became the centre-piece for Beijing's 2008 Olympics and he was held at a secret location without access to a lawyer.

Beijing alleged the artist had evaded taxes and destroyed evidence; his supporters said the charges were motivated by his activism.