East Timorese trial continues

East Timorese trial continues

DILI: An East Timorese on trial for insulting President
Soeharto confirmed everything recounted by a witness at the
district court here yesterday.

Joao Do Rosario Pires Al Joao, 24, was arrested last year for
unfurling a banner containing anti-Soeharto messages during a
demonstration last year.

The protest was held by dozens of East Timorese when Dili
Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo explained to journalists his
stand on the controversy surrounding his interview with Der
Spiegel, in which he was quoted as saying the Indonesian
government treated the East Timorese like scabby dogs.

Witness Suryadi told the court that the accused held the
banner for about five minutes and occasionally shouted "Viva
Xanana and Viva Bishop Belo".

Xanana, leader of the Fretilin separatist movement's armed
wing, is currently in jail in Jakarta.

The accused said he regretted what he did, Antara reported.
(pan)