Pirated Potter book hits Chile

The English language version is a best-seller

An illegal Spanish translation of the latest Harry Potter book on sale in Chile has been called "a really bad translation".

The pirate version of the book, which is not due to be translated into Spanish until later in the year, has been blamed on organised criminals.

The president of the Chilean Book Chamber business group has urged people not to buy the book, which has been selling for about $15 (£9.30).

"Not only is it illegal, not only is it a pirate copy, it's a really bad translation," said Eduardo Castillo.

Mr Castillo said that the illegal copies threatened the livelihoods of the country's legitimate booksellers.

It was not clear whether the illegal translation was produced in Chile or brought in from elsewhere.

Pirated versions and unofficial translations of the best seller have appeared everywhere from Pakistan to Germany.