Taiwan seizes magazine 'leaking secrets'

The authorities in Taiwan have seized thousands of copies of a magazine published by a Hong Kong company, accusing it of trying to leak government secrets.

The latest Taiwanese edition of Next magazine alleges that former president, Lee Teng-hui, authorised the National Security Bureau's use of a slush-fund of $100m to spy on the mainland and to bankroll diplomatic missions overseas.

Prosecutors and police raided the magazine's offices and searched the home of the article's author for documents relating to the case.

Officials have said the magazine was endangering the island's security. The magazine's editor Peir Woei said the action was violating press freedom.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service