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BY TRACY PFEIFFER
ANCHOR JIM FLINK
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The arrest of anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare sparked outrage in India Tuesday.
After vowing a second public hunger strike, Hazare was taken into custody along with seven others.
The activist is fighting for the government to adopt a strong anti-corruption bill drafted by Hazare and his supporters. (Video: NDTV)
Reports say protests broke out across the country after the news of Hazare’s detainment broke -- and thousands more were arrested.
SIOBHAN SILKE, FRANCE 24: “The government is under fire for a series of graft scandals, including allegations that a former telecoms minister took bribes to rig the sale of mobile phone licenses. …The interior minister said the government was not trying to stifle Hazare.”
Late Tuesday, officials indicated Hazare was free to go -- though reports say he has demanded the quote- “unconditional” right to a peaceful protest for his bill -- before he will leave. (Video: NDTV)
A writer for IBNlive says -- the arrest might have been the best thing to happen to Hazare’s campaign -- but he should follow it through -- to the political stage.
“Anna's arrest and the threat of an impending revolution will...make the Government realize that Anna is so powerful today that he can overthrow a government on his own. Anna would be squandering away that advantage if he still chooses to remain away from politics.”
And a writer for The New York Times notes -- it may be the best time for Hazare’s attempt to push through the anti-corruption legislation, called the Lokpal Bill.
“With the Indian economy growing at roughly 8 percent a year, official corruption has become a widespread problem and a source of public disgust...which is why many people have embraced the idea of an independent Lokpal agency, beyond the controls of political parties, that is empowered to attack corruption.”
But a Congressional spokesperson argues on NDTV -- while he certainly has a right to protest, Hazare has caused unnecessary tension in the country with the way things have played out.
RENUKA CHOWDHARY: “We must understand what the protest is about -- Parliament is seized with the matter, the discussion is going on. The government has liased with him. His bill will come to the Parliament. …Every democratic forum is open. What is this posturing about--is what confuses us.”
The latest reports indicate Hazare will spend the night in jail, where he has already begun his hunger strike.
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