China has confirmed that it will put on trial leading members of the outlawed Falun Gong spiritual movement.

But a foreign ministry spokesman said ordinary members will not be punished.

The authorities say they have basically broken up the movement.

But the BBC Beijing correspondent says state media are still calling for vigilance.

Newspapers today Thursday have reported the arrests of nineteen members of the group for taking part in an illegal gathering.

The reports said fourteen were released after repenting, but five leaders remain in custody.