Malaysian opposition activists arrested

Seven Malaysian opposition activists have been arrested for unlawful assembly.

The charges are connected to a peaceful demonstration by about one-hundred-and-fifty people in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday to protest against restrictions imposed this month on the outspoken opposition newspaper, Harakah.

The government decided that the paper could be published only twice a month, instead of its previous twice a week. This was the latest in a series of actions against the paper since the main opposition PAS party more than tripled its parliamentary seats in last November's elections.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service