Timbul set to face rights trial

JAKARTA: Former East Timor Police chief Brig. Gen. Timbul Silaen said he was ready to stand trial before the human rights tribunal for his alleged involvement in East Timor atrocities.

The tribunal is due to start sitting on Thursday.

Timbul's lawyer Palmer Situmorang said the genocide and crimes against humanity charges laid against his client were weak.

"We will point out how weak the charges are in our formal response once the charges have been read out in court," Palmer told reporters on Tuesday.

The charges carry the death penalty if proven.

A separate hearing for another defendant, former East Timor governor Abilio Soares, will also take place on Thursday.

A four-member panel of judges, presided over by Judge Marni Emy Mustafa, will try Abilio's case, while Judge Andi will preside over Timbul's trial.

A third hearing will likely involve five defendants, including former Covalima regent Herman Sedyono. - JP