E Timor charges 16 Indonesians

E Timor charges 16 Indonesians

East Timor prosecutors have indicted 16 former Indonesian administrators and military officers with crimes against humanity.

The East Timor Serious Crimes Unit said the indictments were for crimes committed during the country's drive for independence from Indonesia in 1999, including a mass killing at a church at Saui.

Five of those charged had earlier been prosecuted and acquitted in Indonesia over the church killing.

Timorese prosecutors have altogether charged more than 200 people, but Indonesia refuses to hand over any suspects.

East Timor's president, Xanana Gusmao, criticised the legal action saying that good relations with the former ruler should take priority.

At least 1,000 people died during a three-year long campaign for independence in East Timor.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service