Rebel's driver sentenced

Rebel's driver sentenced

DILI, East Timor: Henrique Balmiro da Costa, driver of imprisoned Fretilin leader Xanana Gusmao, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years jail for his role in the secessionist organization's campaign.

Presided over by Judge Agustinus Rungngu, the Dili district court found Da Costa guilty yesterday of trying to undermine the government. Da Costa, 40, coordinated anti-integration activities in Dili and supplied ammunition to rebels living in the forests, the court found.

Dressed in a white shirt and blue trousers, Da Costa calmly listened as the panel of three judges handed down the sentence.

Prosecutors had asked for Da Costa to be imprisoned for 20 years.

The judges said mitigating factors in Da Costa's favor were his good behavior during the trial, the fact that he did not contest the charges brought against him and the fact that he has a family to care for. (yac)