Mass hanging in South Korea

A mass hanging of convicted criminals has taken place in five South Korean cities.

Twenty-three prisoners, most of them found guilty of murder, were hanged in prisons in Seoul, Taegu, Pusan, Taejon and Kwangju.

Correspondents say there are fears that crime might increase because of South Korea's economic difficulties and the govenment wants to take a tough stand in an effort to deter criminal activity.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service