A massive tax bill served to Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has led to thousands of people donating money to help cover it.
As of now, more than 5 million yuan (US $790,000, £490,000) in donations have been made to settle the $2.4 million owed in taxes and fines, according to authorities.
Contributions have come through bank transfers and postal orders, with some supporters even tossing cash over the walls of his compound.
The outspoken artist expressed his intention to repay the funds later.
The wave of donations started soon after the acclaimed artist revealed he had received the tax notification.
A volunteer at the artist’s studio, Liu Yanping, posted on Twitter that nearly 20,000 individuals have contributed so far.
In a creative gesture, workers have even discovered cash folded into paper planes that have been flown over the walls of Ai Weiwei’s residence and studio.
“These donations aren’t solely about money; they reflect people’s sentiments regarding the situation,” remarked the artist, who has appealed for loans from supporters.
“I can only express my deep gratitude and how touched I am by their generosity.”
The tax bill concerns late payments and fines associated with Beijing Fake Cultural Development Ltd., the firm producing the artist’s creations.
Although Mr. Ai claims to be merely a “designer” at the company, authorities assert he is the “actual controller.”
He was detained at Beijing Airport while attempting to exit the country, remaining in custody for nearly three months.
Although released without charges in June, he was still accused of tax evasion. The current amount stated by the authorities represents what they claim he owes.
During a conversation with reporters, Mr. Ai indicated that this tax demand serves merely as a pretext, asserting he is being targeted for his political views.
For several years, Mr. Ai, a key figure behind the design of Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” Olympic stadium, has emerged as one of the government’s most vocal critics.
“Throughout the 81 days of my detention in this secret location, I was charged with subversion of state power,” he stated last week.
However, he was informed that he had to be accused of tax evasion, with police comments indicating, “We want people to perceive you as a bad guy.”
Mr. Ai faces a deadline at the end of the week to make the payment, though he has yet to decide on a course of action.