Russia keeps suspected spy in prison

The Russian secret service, the FSB, says an ailing former United States naval officer who faces spying charges is well enough to remain in prison.

The FSB said doctors had examined the man, Edmund Pope, a number of times since his arrest in April and were satisfied that he was well enough to stay in jail.

Washington says the Russian authorities have prevented a US embassy doctor from visiting the prisoner.

Mr Pope, who suffers from bone cancer, had his appeal to leave prison turned down by a court yesterday.

The FSB alleges that Mr Pope made contact with a Russian scientist and was gathering information on a Russian submarine missile.

He denies the charges.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service