Ai Weiwei released on bail.

BEIJING: After 81 days in detention, China’s best-known artist, Ai Weiwei, has returned home a considerably thinner and noticeably quieter man. ”I’m fine. I’m out,” the 54-year-old artist said by telephone shortly after his release on bail. ”I’m back with my family. I’m very happy.” The state news agency, Xinhua, said police had released him on Tuesday ”because of his good attitude in confessing his crimes” and a chronic illness. Speaking from his home in north Beijing, the usually outspoken artist said he could not comment any further, adding: ”I’m on bail. Please understand.” Ai’s sister, Gao Ge, said: ”I’m very, very happy … we thank everyone, including our media friends, for all their help and support so far.” His mother, Gao Ying, told America’s National Public Radio that the family ”won’t sleep tonight”. The artist’s disappearance on April 3 sparked international condemnation, with political leaders calling for his release and sustained protests throughout the art world. He vanished after he was stopped by officials at Beijing Airport, where he was due to board a flight to Hong Kong.Please read the rest of the article here.