In the United States, tens of thousands of people have marched through the capital of South Carolina, Columbia, to protest against the flying of the Confederate flag above the state government's headquarters.

The demonstration came on the national holiday honouring Martin Luther King, the civil rights leader who was assassinated in 1968.

The protestors say the flag is a bitter reminder of slavery and racism.

Supporters of the flag say it represents southern heritage, honouring those who fought for the defeated Confederacy during the American Civil War. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which organised the march, is leading a tourist boycott of South Carolina until the flag is removed.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service