BRIEF: Australian Woman Arrested for Alleged Involvement in Ramos-Horta Shooting

DILI, East Timor - Angelita Pires, who holds both Australian and East Timorese citizenship, was arrested and released on bail following a preliminary hearing.  Prosecutors and police believe she was involved in the planning of the attack on President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão.  Pires is a known confidante of deceased rebel leader Alfredo Reinado, but was not among the initial 17 suspects for whom arrest warrants were issued last week.

East Timor Prosecutor-General Longuinhos Monteiro said on Monday that Pires faces a maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment for charges of conspiracy to murder and crimes against the state.

Pires maintains that she is innocent and had no knowledge of the planned attacks against Ramos-Horta and Gusmão.  She also raised the point in an interview with The Age that while she was open about her friendship with Reinado, she is also a long-time friend of Gusmão.  Pires often acted as a go-between for the government and Reinado's group during negotiations.

Meanwhile, Australian SAS teams are searching the countryside for about 20 heavily armed rebels, led by former army officer Gastao Salsinha, who have vowed that they will not surrender.  East Timor is merging its own police and military to assist in their apprehension.

 

For more information, please see:

The Australian - Australian charged over E Timor plot - 19 February 2008

Radio Australia - ETimor-Australian woman questioned over attacks - 19 February 2008

Australian Broadcasting Corporation - E Timor-Aust woman arrested over Reinado links - 19 February 2008

Melbourne Herald Sun - Aussie woman on Timor attack charges bailed - 19 February 2008

Sydney Morning Herald - Mother waits for news over Timor attack - 19 February 2008

The Age - I'm innocent, pleads Timor suspect - 20 February 2008