Peruvian opposition rejects riot charges

Opposition politicians in Peru have called for an independent inquiry into a fire at a state-run bank last Friday that killed six people.

Their call came in response to government accusations that they were to blame for the fire which broke out during mass protests against the inauguration of President Alberto Fujimori.

A congresswoman allied to Mr Fujimori Martha Moyano has filed a criminal complaint against the opposition leader, Alejandro Toledo, and two of his supporters, accusing them of being behind the disturbances.

One of those accused, Jorge del Castillo, told the BBC that the charges were ridiculous and without foundation.

He said the real question was how the fire had got out of control so quickly.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service