A former agent in Peru's military intelligence has said illegal phone tapping was carried out to monitor leading politicans and journalists.

The agent, Luisa Zanatta, speaking from Miami said the transcripts of the secret recordings were delivered daily to the office of President Fujimori's security advisor, Vladimiro Montesinos.

Opposition politicians in Peru say the accusations are proof that Mr Montesinos, who's regarded as one of the most powerful men in Peru, is interfering in politics.

The government says the allegations are an attempt to attack the President himself.

Miss Zanatta, who is seeking political asylum in the United States, also said a fellow agent was killed for providing a magazine with information on human rights violations.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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