Lebanese Christian town strikes after arrests

Supporters of the imprisoned Lebanese faction leader, Samir Geagea, are holding a general strike in his hometown, Bcharre.

The strike was called after four of Mr Geagea's supporters were arrested at the weekend during a demonstration marking the seventh anniversary of Mr Geagea's detention.

Mr Geagea -- who led a Christian militia called the Lebanese Forces during the civil war -- is the only former warlord to have been jailed.

Residents of Bcharre have attacked what they called the repressive practices of the security forces and have demaned the release of those detained.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service