April 3 – The Chinese artist and dissident
Ai Weiwei is arrested and detained and his studio sealed off, by the government of the People's Republic of
China, during an apparent crackdown by the regime on activists and dissidents. The government later states that Weiwei is being held while investigated for economic crimes.
June 22 – The Chinese legal authorities release Ai Weiwei on bail after three months' detention, after being charged with alleged tax evasion. His incarceration is widely viewed as an attempt to silence a prominent critic while authorities had time to decide on legal grounds for prosecuting him, and his detention prompts worldwide condemnation of the Chinese government.[8] According to China's Foreign Ministry, he is prohibited from leaving Beijing without permission for one year.[9][10] After his release Weiwei declines to give interviews saying that he is not allowed to talk.[10]
September & October –
2011 Montreal Museum of Fine Arts thefts. In two separate incidents, antique stone pieces are taken from the museum. One was recovered two years later in Edmonton; the other remains missing.
November 15 – Ai Weiwei pays 8.45 million
yuan in taxes after receiving a large number of donations from supporters who believe the debt was politically motivated because of his criticism of the Chinese government.[11]
November 28 – The
Knoedler art dealership in New York City announces its permanent closure amid revelations that it had been dealing in forged paintings.
April 3 – The Chinese artist and dissident
Ai Weiwei is arrested and detained and his studio sealed off, by the government of the People's Republic of
China, during an apparent crackdown by the regime on activists and dissidents. The government later states that Weiwei is being held while investigated for economic crimes.
June 22 – The Chinese legal authorities release Ai Weiwei on bail after three months' detention, after being charged with alleged tax evasion. His incarceration is widely viewed as an attempt to silence a prominent critic while authorities had time to decide on legal grounds for prosecuting him, and his detention prompts worldwide condemnation of the Chinese government.[8] According to China's Foreign Ministry, he is prohibited from leaving Beijing without permission for one year.[9][10] After his release Weiwei declines to give interviews saying that he is not allowed to talk.[10]
September & October –
2011 Montreal Museum of Fine Arts thefts. In two separate incidents, antique stone pieces are taken from the museum. One was recovered two years later in Edmonton; the other remains missing.
November 15 – Ai Weiwei pays 8.45 million
yuan in taxes after receiving a large number of donations from supporters who believe the debt was politically motivated because of his criticism of the Chinese government.[11]
November 28 – The
Knoedler art dealership in New York City announces its permanent closure amid revelations that it had been dealing in forged paintings.