Ai Weiwei released on bail

Xinhuanet, China's state-run news service, reports:

The Beijing police department said Wednesday that Ai Weiwei has been released on bail because of his good attitude in confessing his crimes as well as a chronic disease he suffers from.

No word yet on his whereabouts, however, and his family says they haven't yet heard from him.

Updates:

• According to Hyperallergic, Ai texted his lawyer, Liu Xiaoyuan, confirming that he's been released.

• Ai tells the German tabloid Bild, "I am fine, I am back home and I am free. But I cannot speak. Please understand." Around 11:30 Central Time, Alison Klayman notes at her film's Facebook page: "We just spoke with Weiwei. He is with his mom and is happy he is out."

• The New York Times shares photos of Ai after his release.

• ABC News ponders the timing: "Ai's release might also have been a face-saving move, coming just days before Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was due to travel to Hungary, Britain and Germany, countries where supporters of the artist have been vocal in their condemnation of his detention."

• In an email, filmmaker Klayman writes: "The conditions of Weiwei's release have yet to be confirmed, but Weiwei's legal counsel, Liu Xiaoyuan, did suggest over Twitter that the artist would not be allowed to exit Beijing city limits. Weiwei himself has stated that he will not be allowed to conduct interviews or use social media for at least "one year."