End 'farcical cycle' of arrests of Sharmila: Amnesty

Stating that it was an "outrage" that civil rights activist Irom Sharmila has been in prison for peaceful protest, Amnesty International India today called for ending the "farcical cycle" of her arrests and re-arrests.
"It is an outrage that Irom Sharmila has been in prison for over 14 years for a peaceful protest. The judgement must end the farcical cycle of arrest and re-arrest that this brave activist has faced for so long.
"Authorities must not detain Irom Sharmila again but engage with the issues she is raising," said Shemeer Babu, Programmes Director, Amnesty International India.
Earlier, a Manipur court ordered the release Sharmila, who has been on a hunger strike for over 14 years demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, after rejecting charges that she had attempted suicide.

An Amnesty International India statement said that on August 19, 2014, another Manipur court had ordered Sharmila to be released, stating that her hunger strike was a "political demand through a lawful means".