China's most famous dissident awaits news outside his art studio.<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />But after being barred from attending the hearing, it was down to Ai's wife to deliver the news via mobile phone.<br/> <br />Ai had lost. The fine, upheld.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE ARTIST AI WEIWEI SAYING:<br/> <br />"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."<br/> <br />Efforts to muzzle the artist, including a 81-day detention last year, have frequently backfired.<br/> <br />He received an outpouring of sympathy - and cash - in response to the tax penalty.<br/> <br />But in the end, he had little hope.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE ARTIST AI WEIWEI SAYING:<br/> <br />"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."<br/> <br />Around 30,000 people donated money to help Ai cover costs needed to contest the charge.<br/> <br />Many folded money into paper planes that were flown over the walls of his home.<br/> <br />Sarah Charlton, Reuters.
