Updated

Spain's National Court has issued arrest orders for former Chinese president Jiang Zemin and four other Chinese officials as part of a probe into alleged genocide by China against Tibet.

The court said Tuesday it has accepted arguments from Spanish pro-Tibet rights groups that said international reports indicate the five may have had a role in the alleged genocide and should be questioned. Those officials also include former Prime Minister Li Peng.

China has previously described the investigation as interference in its affairs and called the claims "sheer fabrication." Former Chinese President Hu Jintao is also under investigation by the Spanish court although his arrest has not been sought.

Spain's legal system recognizes the universal justice principle under which genocide suspects can be put on trial outside their home country.