Xanana's driver's trial postponed

DILI, East Timor: The district court adjourned on Thursday the trial of a man they say was the driver of imprisoned rebel leader Jose Alexandre Xanana Gusmao, citing poor health on the part of the accused and the ongoing civil unrest in the East Timorese capital.

Hendrique B Da Costa is accused of assisting pro-independence rebels. The prosecution alleges that he worked as Xanana's driver prior to the rebel leader's capture by security forces.

The court said it had adjourned the trial because the city of Dili was not secure as a result of the ongoing ethnic and religious violence and that the accused was in poor health, Antara reported. The adjournment was the second in a week.

"It is impossible to try a sick defendant. Besides, security does not allow it at the moment," prosecutor B. Sudiro said. "Besides, the accused is the assistant of Xanana, who has ardent supporters in the area," he added.

In a previous trial session, Hendrique denied that he had been Xanana's driver, maintaining that he was a farmer. (pan)