Separatist leader

East Timor

on trial

Indonesia says it will put the captured East Timor separatist leader Xanana Gusmao on trial in a civil court in about three months. A spokesman says the government believes Gusmao was behind the protests which led to last year’s mass shooting of civilians by Indonesian soldiers in East Timor’s capital, Dili.

He says the trial will be final proof Indonesia has been unfairly blamed for the massacre. Witnesses say up to 180 people were killed in the incident while the government puts the toll at 50 dead with 66 missing. The massacre drew widespread international condemnation.

Gusmao appeared on Indonesian television after his capture to urge his fellow separatists to surrender. The Indonesian military says about 200 of his followers have responded to this call.