In Sri Lanka, former general and opposition leader Sarath Fonseka has appeared before a military court, accused of engaging in illegal political activities when he was in charge of the army. If found guilty, he could face a five-year sentence.

Mr Fonseka decided to enter politics to make the most of his popularity for his part in the ultimate defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels last year, which ended 37 years of civil war. This year he lost the presidential elections to his former ally, sitting President Mahinda Rajapakse.

At the beginning of February, two weeks after the elections, Mr Fonseka was arrested. The former general says the charges against him are politically motivated.