China anti-cult organisation set up

The Chinese authorities have set up an organisation to tackle cults like the Falungong movement.

The Chinese news agency Xinhua said the organisation -- the China Anti-Cult Association -- would consist of renowned scientists, doctors, lawyers, religious leaders and journalists.

Its aim is to mobilise what are described as "social forces" against groups accused of posing a threat to stability.

Falungong members have repeatedly staged protests against the government, despite an official ban on the movement. Last month, about a hundred members were detained by police following demonstrations in Beijing's Tianenmen Square.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service