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)