Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei lost appeal against tax evasion charges in Beijing court Friday . The ruling was a setback for the artist, who had been accused of evading taxes by hiding his assets from authorities and using them to fund political activities abroad. Tens of thousands of supporters donated more than RMB 9 million ( US $ 1 million ) to help him pay the bill , some even throwing RMB100 notes folded into paper airplanes over the gate of his house . Ai said he would appeal court 's decision . Ai contends charges are baseless and politically-motivated .
Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei lost appeal against tax evasion charges in Beijing court Friday . The ruling was a setback for the artist, who had been accused of evading taxes by hiding his assets from authorities and using them to fund political activities abroad. Ai said he would appeal court 's decision . Ai contends charges are baseless and politically-motivated .