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David Ximenes goes on trial

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Tapol - January 26, 1998

According to an AFP report on 23 January, the trial started in Dili of David Ximenes 44, who is being charged with "separatism". The charge carries a maximum sentence of life. (The report does not mention the article under which he is being charged.)

In the indictment, Ximenes was accused of a series of activies between January 1994 and May 1997, including setting up an anti-Indonedian underground movement known as the clandestine, working jointly with the armed wing of the resistance.

He was blamed for organising the "violent" demonstrations on Christmas Eve 1996 to greet returning Nobel laureate Bishop Belo that left one dead and scores wounded, and during the visit of UN envoy Jamsheed Marker that left many wounded.

He was also accused of receiving correspondence from the jailed East Timorese leader, Xanana Gusmao. The prosecution also alleged that he gave instructions to disturb the 29 May elections last year.

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