Belarus opposition leader convicted

A court in Belarus has convicted a former prime minister and leading opponent of President Lukashenko, Mikhail Chigir, of abuse of power.

Mr Chigir was found guilty of abusing his authority while he was prime minister in 1995 by giving a company a break on import duties.

He was given a three year suspended jail sentence.

Correspondents say the sentence means Mr Chigir cannot leave the capital, Minsk, or take part in any election in the next two years.

Mr Chigir has said he wants to run against President Lukashenko in elections next year: he's described the charges against him are politically-motivated.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service