Ai Weiwei tax ruling reviewed

The Chinese artist Ai Weiwei says the authorities have agreed to review their ruling that he pay a £1.5m fine for alleged tax evasion.

The dissident said he was phoned by tax officials on Wednesday, who told him the review would be completed within two months.

Ai was detained for three months last year during a crackdown on dissent. Following his release, authorities demanded 15m yuan in back taxes and fines. About 30,000 supporters to send small donations totalling nearly 8.7m yuan. This allowed him to pay a bond required by law for him to launch an appeal.

AP