Xanana's driver's trial postponed

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)