SUSPECTS HEARD IN SERIOUS CRIMES CASES

The first preliminary hearings of persons suspected of committing serious crimes in East Timor took place today, 10 January, at the Dili District Court. Two separate preliminary hearings took place, involving a former militia member and a man belonging to the pro-independence movement.

The former Dadurus Merah Putih (Red White Tornado) militia member, admitted to killing the village chief of Ritabou village in the Bobonaro district on 8 September 1999. The admission of guilt was accepted by the court, which will convene again on 16 January for sentencing. In the second hearing, a 30-year old pro-independence activist pleaded not guilty to the charges of murdering a militia member in Gleno village, Ermera district on 26 September 1999. The trial was set for 6 February.