Peru sacks two Montesinos prosecutors

The judicial authorities in Peru have sacked two prosecutors investigating the former intelligence chief, Vladimiro Montesinos.

The dismissals of Alejandro Espino and Richard Saavedra come two weeks before Mr Montesinos is due to face trial on numerous charges, including drug trafficking and human rights abuses.

The prosecutors were among 17 removed from their posts in a regular review by the National Council of the Magistrature, the body that appoints and regulates Peru's judges and prosecutors.

No reason was given.

The prosecutor responsible for terrorism cases, Maria del Pilar Peralta, was also sacked.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service