Xanana gets three-month sentence reduction

KARAWANG, West Java (JP): Jailed East Timorese rebel leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao was one of 16,718 prisoners to receive a remission on this year's independence day, Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman said yesterday.

Talking to reporters after a ceremony at Karawang Prison, West Java, Oetojo said Xanana would receive a three-month reduction of his 20-year sentence.

"The remission was given based on the prisoner's behavior," he said.

Oetojo said Xanana's remission was not influenced by South African President Nelson Mandela who had sent a letter to President Soeharto calling for the rebel leader's release.

Mandela met Xanana on July 15, during his visit here.

Xanana led separatist guerrillas in East Timor before being captured in November 1992.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Dili court on May 21, 1993. But three months later his sentence was reduced to 20- years by President Soeharto.

Xanana is currently serving time at Cipinang Prison in Central Jakarta.

In Dili, East Timor Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares also denied that Xanana's remission was to placate Mandela who called for the rebel leader's release.

He said the decision was based on his good behavior, just like any other prisoner.

Meanwhile, Xanana, 51, would not comment on the possibility of his release.

"I didn't raise that issue so I don't have any comment, especially since I never demanded to be released," he told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

"I still believe that a solution to the East Timor issue is more important than my release," he added.

On Saturday, Oetojo hinted that if Xanana maintains his good behavior more remissions may be in store.

"Xanana has behaved well while serving his time, I think he can get his freedom back before the end of his prison term, because reductions are awarded every year," Oetojo said as quoted by Antara.

Among the requirements to receive a remission are good manners, discipline in following prison rules and social responsibilities such as donating blood.

Inmates who became leaders in organizing several social activities in prison could get up to an eight-month reduction of their jail term.

Release

Oetojo said the government also released yesterday 1,489 prisoners, 72 of them convicted for subversion, because the sentence reduction coincided with the time remaining they had to serve.

Among those who received a remission were Derek Homer and Otniel Maifun, members of the Free Papua Movement convicted in 1991. Both are imprisoned at Jayapura prison.

Oetojo said independence day celebrations should be greeted by prisoners since it was a time when many received reductions of their sentences.

"It reminds us that we honor individual freedom as we much as we honor the freedom of countries," he said.

Asked about the possible release of prisoners held for their activities with the banned Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), Oetojo said it was still being discussed. (05/14/23/33)