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)