Ai Weiwei dismayed as tax fine upheld

China's most famous dissident awaits news outside his art studio.

Ai Weiwei was due in court for the verdict over his appeal against a $2 million fine for tax evasion - a case critics say is being used to muzzle the artist.

But after being barred from attending the hearing, it was down to Ai's wife to deliver the news via mobile phone.

Ai had lost. The fine, upheld.

(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE ARTIST AI WEIWEI SAYING:

"Today's verdict shows that this country, even today, 60 years after it was founded, still doesn't even have a basic legal process. It still doesn't respect truth, it still will never give taxpayers and citizens an opportunity to defend themselves. The entire judiciary is shrouded in darkness."

Efforts to muzzle the artist, including a 81-day detention last year, have frequently backfired.

He received an outpouring of sympathy - and cash - in response to the tax penalty.

But in the end, he had little hope.

(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE ARTIST AI WEIWEI SAYING:

"This is just what we expected, but nonetheless, I never want to see such a country do such a stupid decision. This is a totally absurd thing, for a country to use so much effort to do something so stupid. It's unbelievable."

Around 30,000 people donated money to help Ai cover costs needed to contest the charge.

Many folded money into paper planes that were flown over the walls of his home.

Sarah Charlton, Reuters.