The trial has begun in East Timor of those suspected of an assassination attempt on President José Ramos-Horta on 11 February last year. The president was shot and seriously injured outside his house, but Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, whose car also came under fire, was not hit.

The 28 defendants in the case include former soldiers who took part in a rebellion in 2006, and the Australian-East Timorese national, Angelita Pires. She was the girlfriend of one of the leaders of the assassination attempt, Alfredo Reinaldo, who was killed in the ensuing gun battle. She is seen as being behind the conspiracy.

In 2006, hundreds of East Timorese soldiers staged a rebellion against the government and this led to intervention by foreign troops. Last year, the rebels surrendered to the authorities following lengthy secret negotiations. It is thought that it was agreed the rebels would be treated with leniency.

photo: José Ramos-Horta (wikinews)