Why was Ai Weiwei detained by Chinese authorities in 2011?

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Chinese activist and artist Ai Weiwei in 2019, facing the camera and wearing a black zip-up jacket. — Ai Weiwei Ai Weiwei, 2019.

In April 2011, Chinese authorities detained Ai Weiwei for alleged "economic crimes," which were later specified as accusations of tax evasion.1

This detention was widely viewed as part of a broader crackdown on dissent by the Chinese government. At the time, Ai was well-known for his blunt criticism of state policies, including his "citizen investigations" into government corruption and the handling of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, as well as his vocal opposition to Beijing 2008 Olympic Games propaganda.12

Ai was held for more than two months before being released on bail. Following his release, he was levied with a significant tax bill, which he contested through legal appeals that were ultimately denied.1