Disappeared journalist trial in Belarus

The trial has begun in the former Soviet Republic of Belarus of four men accused in connection with the disappearance of a journalist.

The journalist, Dmitry Zavadsky, vanished in June last year and no trace of him has been found.

The trial opened and was immediately adjourned after the main defendant, a former special services officer, said he felt unwell.

Journalists and observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe were barred by police from attending the trial in the capital, Minsk.

Correspondents say that Mr Zavadsky is one of several prominent Belarussians who have gone missing in recent years.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service