Irom Sharmila released from JNIMS; continues fast at Samumakhong
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 22 2015:
Judicial Magistrate (Imphal East) Wisdom Kamodang on Thursday rejected charges of attempt to suicide against human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila and ordered her immediate release from custody.
Accordingly, Sharmila was released in the evening from the security ward of JNIMS.
But soon after she was released, Sharmila went to the Samumakhong, in the heart of Imphal city and resumed her fast.
Sharmila has been on indefinite fast for the last 14 years demanding repeal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA).
She was arrested under section 309 of the Indian Penal Code for attempt to commit suicide.
In his ruling, Wisdom Kamodang said that the prosecution has failed to give any evidence that she is trying to commit suicide and ordered that Sharmila be discharged in the case.
She has been released from prison according to court orders.
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It may be mentioned that on August 19, 2014, another court had also ordered Sharmila's release stating that her hunger strike was a "political demand through lawful means".
However, she was re-arrested three days later for allegedly attempting to commit suicide.
Sharmila had been arrested, released and re-arrested from time to time on the charge of attempting to commit suicide.
The maximum punishment under Section 309 of the IPC is a one-year jail term.
She had been also charged under section 353 of the IPC which pertains to preventing the execution of duty by a public servant with intent to deter the person from discharging his duty.
Earlier during the day, talking to mediapersons at the court complex of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Imphal East, Sharmila alleged that media has been trying to distort whatever she said.
She also expressed strong reservation against beating up of a person who reportedly came to support her by some women leaders and said that she cannot accept the idea of deciding her fate by some women leaders.