State security trial opens in DR Congo

Three prominent prisoners have gone on trial before a military tribunal in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

President Kabila's former security adviser, Masasu Nindanga, who was arrested five months ago, was charged today with threatening state security and inciting soldiers to revolt.

Two leading Kinshasa politicians -- Arthur Z'Ahidi Ngoma and Joseph Olenghankoy -- have also gone on trial; they were arrested several months ago after breaking a ban on political activities.

All three men escaped from a high-security prison in Katanga province last month but were recaptured after a huge manhunt.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service