Indian activist strikes deal on public fast

NEW DELHI - The activist at the heart of unprecedented anti-corruption protests that have backed India's government against a wall struck a deal on Thursday allowing him to leave jail and stage a public fast.

Tens of thousands of Indians in cities across the country have taken to the streets in recent days in a sudden and unexpected national outpouring of anger over the blight of official graft on their daily lives.

The protests have been inspired by 74-year-old Anna Hazare, a veteran activist whose populist campaign to strengthen a new anti-corruption law has shaken India's coalition government.