BBC News Review: World's longest hunger strike ends

source: BBC Learning English    2016年8月9日
Irom Sharmila hasn't eaten anything for 16 years as a protest against army powers in India. Join Neil and Catherine in News Review as they bring you this story and the language you need to understand it.
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The story

One of India's best known political activists, Irom Sharmila, has told a court that she's ending a 16-year hunger strike, during much of which she's been force-fed in hospital.

She was protesting against a law that gives the Indian army sweeping powers.

Sanjoy Majunder - BBC news

She was able to leave the ambulance – she was supported by two policewomen, but was able to walk up the steps.

We understand she's told the judge that she stands by the decision she announced a few weeks ago – the decision to finally end her fast of 16 years.

Now remember it's a protest she began in the year 2000 against a law that grants the Indian security forces here in Manipur and other frontline states – sweeping powers to arrest suspects, even shoot to kill, and more importantly, immunity from prosecution.

That law still exists on the books. But she has decided to end her fast.
Key words and phrases

activist
person with a strong belief in a certain cause who takes action to achieve their aims

hunger strike
time during which someone refuses to eat as a protest

fast
period of time when a person chooses not to eat

'iron'
Here used as an adjective used to describe a person who is mentally and emotionally strong