A Hong Kong-based human rights group says the authorities in China have arrested 2,000 members of the Falun Gong movement during the Chinese New Year holidays.

The Information Centre of Human Rights and Democratic Movement in China said the arrests began when Falungong members staged a demonstration in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Lunar New Year's Eve on Friday.

The human rights group said two of those arrested at the square were members of the army who also belong to the Falungong.

The Chinese authorities say the group is a cult which poses a threat to the country's internal security.

Falungong members deny this, saying the organisation is a spiritual movement which is being victimised by the government.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service