Jakarta – An American reporter detained after hiding out with rebels in Aceh has been charged with immigration violations and is expected to go on trial next week, prosecutors said Friday.

William Nessen, who was working as a freelance reporter, was arrested June 24 when he turned himself in to the Indonesian military in northern Aceh.

"We have lodged his case with the District Court, and expect his trial will start next week," said prosecutor Tengku Lutfi in the provincial capital, Banda Aceh. Under Indonesian law, filing a case to court is akin to a suspect being formally charged.

Nessen is charged on two counts of violating the 1992 Immigration Law, Lutfi said. He could face a maximum of six years in jail if convicted on both counts.

It now appears unlikely that Nessen will be charged with supporting the rebels. Police had earlier said they were looking into allegations that Nessen was an independence activist himself.