Chinese artist Ai Weiwei says assistant freed

BEIJING (AFP) – Chinese artist Ai Weiwei confirmed a fourth associate of his had been released from detention, just days after the activist himself was unexpectedly freed on bail.

Ai's assistant Wen Tao returned home on Friday night, the activist told AFP in a text message -- the same day his accountant and designer were freed. The artist's cousin and driver Zhang Jinsong was released Thursday afternoon.

Ai was freed from nearly three months of detention late Wednesday because of his "good attitude" in admitting to tax evasion, his willingness to repay taxes he owes, and on medical grounds, the government said previously.

His detention -- which came during a major government crackdown on activists launched in February -- sparked furious criticism led by Western governments who repeatedly called for his immediate release.

"I'm fine. I'm very happy to be free and I'm very happy to be back with my family," Ai told AFP by telephone early Thursday.

The terms of Ai's bail conditions prevent him leaving Beijing "without permission", the foreign ministry said Thursday, and the previously vocal activist has told foreign media that he cannot accept interviews.

Ai and his four associates were released as Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao embarked on a trip to Europe, with stops in Hungary, Britain and Germany.

London and Berlin have been among the most vocal critics of Ai's detention.