Eurico trial to continue

JAKARTA (JP): The North Jakarta District Court decided on Monday to continue the trial of East Timorese militia leader Eurico Guterres, who is standing trial on charges of inciting violence.

The court turned down the request of Eurico's lawyer, Suhardi Somomoeljono, who argued that the prosecutor's indictment was obscure.

"The court has concluded that objections made by the defense lawyers cannot be accepted," presiding judge Suwardi told the courtroom packed with the defendant's supporters.

Eurico allegedly ordered his followers on last Sept. 24 to take back weapons they had surrendered to the Belu Police in West Nusa Tenggara as a part of disarmament program. If found guilty, he could face up to five years in jail.

Eurico, head of the feared Aitarak pro-Jakarta militia, has also been charged with illegal possession of weapons.

Clad in military fatigues and a red-and-white tie, Eurico said the judges decided to proceed with the case because of pressure from the international community and the government.

"The enemies and traitors of this nation is not me but the foreigners," he shouted.

Prosecutors are scheduled to present their case in the next hearing on Monday. (01)