Liberian journalists charged with spying

The authorities in Liberia have detained four journalists of an independent newspaper, The News, accusing them of espionage.

The journalists three editors and a reporter were arrrested yesterday Wednesday and remanded in custody until Monday.

They are being held after publishing a story alleging that the government was spending fifty-thousand dollars to buy helicopter spare parts while civil servants had not been paid for more than four months.

Prosecutors said the newspaper intended to reveal sensitive information on national defence to foreign powers. Correspondents say the newspaper is viewed by authorities as being critical of President Charles Taylor.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service