Jakarta – Former East Timor governor Abilio Soares vowed on Wednesday to continue his challenge against the retroactive application of the rights tribunal law despite his acquittal of all charges arising out the 1999 atrocities in the former Indonesian province.

"There are many people who, like me, are implicated in the case," he told reporters after a hearing at the Supreme Court.

Abilio said he had decided not to challenge the law in an "international tribunal" following his recent acquittal. Instead, he suggested that the government resolve the East Timor issue through the proposed truth and reconciliation commission.

The Supreme Court acquitted Abilio after he requested a review of his conviction. He had earlier been sentenced to three years in jail. He had already served four months of his term when his case review was allowed.