[Kabar-indonesia] Alkatiri 'cannot be prosecuted'

[Joyo at aol.com]

Reuters, July 01, 2006

Alkatiri 'cannot be prosecuted'

By Jill Jolliffe And Rob Taylor in Dili

EAST Timor's embattled ex-Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri cannot be prosecuted 
over allegations he sanctioned the arming of militia hit squads to take out his 
political opponents, the country's parliamentary speaker said today.

Francisco Guterres (Lu-Olo), speaking during a media conference called by 
Alkatiri to express outrage at fake photos being distributed in Dili showing the 
former premier being led into arrest by Australian peacekeepers, said Alkatiri 
was still a parliamentary member.

The doctored photos, printed on a photocopier, were “a slur on the dignity of 
Mr Alkatiri and the Fretilin Party”, Mr Guterres said, accusing the anonymous 
authors of the leaflets of provoking “instability and confusion” during 
sensitive talks on the political crisis in the country.

Dr Alkatiri resigned on Monday to help end months of violence sparked by his 
sacking of 600 renegade soldiers who had accused army commanders of racial 
discrimination.

But yesterday Dr Alkatiri failed to appear for questioning by prosecutors, 
saying in a letter to authorities that his lawyers had not arrived yet and that 
as a member of Parliament he could not be prosecuted over the hit squad 
allegations.

Dr Alkatiri refused to speak at his own news conference, but Mr Guterres said 
he agreed with the ex-premier's reading of parliamentary regulations.
:
“He has immunity, yes,” he said.

He said the photos of Dr Alkatiri had been brought to the prime minister's 
attention by Australian peacekeepers, who he said had suggested a news 
conference to denounce the leaflets and prevent any public unrest.

The charges against Dr Alkatiri gained credibility last week when former 
Interior Minister Rogerio Lobato – a deputy leader in Dr Alkatiri's ruling 
Fretilin party and a key ally – was indicted in the case and testified that Dr 
Alkatiri ordered the arming of the militia squad.

Mr Guterres said sensitive talks between Fretilin and President Xanana Gusmao 
on who would be the next prime minister of East Timor were underway, after 
days of stonewalling by the president.

“For the time being it is not for us to come up with a name,” he said.

A party committee is meeting over the next few days in Dili to nominate 
Fretilin's choice for prime minister.

The violence has been the worst to hit East Timor since it voted to break 
from Indonesian rule in 1999 in a UN-sponsored referendum.

Foreign Minister Jose Ramos-Horta said earlier today that a new government 
should be in place within days with the support of all the parties.

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Joyo Indonesia News Service
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