Indian police order anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare freed after protests

Protests spread throughout India today after the anti-corruption activist's arrest. Police arrested Mr. Anna Hazare on claims that his planned hunger strike posed a threat to public safety. Mr. Hazare had planned to hold this hunger strike to pressure the government into enacting tougher measures against corruption; the governments planned anti-corruption legislation is widely derided as weak. Thousands took to the streets to protest his arrest, and at least 1200 were jailed in turn. Now, the government has relented under pressure and ordered Mr. Hazare released- and he has refused to leave jail unless he is allowed to proceed with his hunger strike. All of this turmoil in one day- tumultuous times, indeed.

Photo of Anna Hazare