Poland's ex-leader denies shooting charges

Poland's last communist leader, General Wojciech Jaruzelski, has denied that he ordered force to be used against striking workers in 1970.

Forty-four people were killed during the protests which took place when General Jaruzelski was Defence Minister.

The 78-year-old general, testifying for the first time, said that instead of ordering the shootings he had tried to limit the use of force.

He described the events as a tragic chapter in Poland's history and expressed his regret and sympathy for the families of the victims.

But he also defended the troops that had opened fire, saying they had the right to defend themselves.

General Jaruzelski is on trial with six other people.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service