Former Timor bishop Belo to testify
AFP
3.12.2002
- Nobel peace prizewinner and former East Timor bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo is due to testify this month to Indonesia's human rights court via a televised link, a court spokesman said."I have received information that Bishop Belo's testimony will be conducted through tele-conference," said Judge Andi Samsan Nganro.
Belo, who last week resigned as bishop, will give evidence in mid-December in the trials of former regional military chief Major General Adam Damiri and ex-East Timor military chief Nur Muis, Nganro said.Both men are accused of responsibility for military-backed militia violence before and after East Timor's vote to break away from Indonesia in August 1999.
The violence included an attack by pro-Jakarta militia on Belo's refugee-packed home in September which left 10 people dead.Nganro said he had no information on why Belo would not appear in person.
Several previous East Timorese witnesses have cited fears for their safety when refusing to appear.