<p>Human rights groups and Western officials welcomed Ai’s unexpected release on bail, but voiced dismay over the conditions and urged Beijing to free other activists still in police custody.<br /><br />Ai was freed late Wednesday because of his “good attitude” in confessing to tax evasion. <br />His detention — which came during a major government crackdown on activists launched in February — sparked furious criticism led by Western governments.</p>
<p>Human rights groups and Western officials welcomed Ai’s unexpected release on bail, but voiced dismay over the conditions and urged Beijing to free other activists still in police custody.<br /><br />Ai was freed late Wednesday because of his “good attitude” in confessing to tax evasion. <br />His detention — which came during a major government crackdown on activists launched in February — sparked furious criticism led by Western governments.</p>