XANANA GUSMAO, the leader of the Fretilin guerrillas who are fighting
for an independent East Timor, was put on trial on February 1st, charged
with rebellion and conspiracy. Hundreds of Timorese were outside the court
in Dili, the East Timor capital, as the proceedings were relayed by loudspeaker.
Asked his nationality, Mr Gusmao replied „Indonesian.“ Asked his profession, he replied „GPK“, (the Indonesian initials for troublemaker. These replies troubled some observers, who believe they may have been prompted by the application of pressure.
Nonetheless, Indonesia is determined to use the trial of Mr Gusmao to
repair the damage the annexation of East Timor, still Portugal's responsibility
in the eyes of the United Nations, has done to its reputation. Diplomats
and other international observers have been allowed to attend Gusmao the
trial, although a representative of Amnesty International has been kept
out. The offences Mr Gusmao has been charged with are unlikely to lead
to the death penalty.
The Economist, 6.2.1993
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