East Timor leader 'tortured'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LISBON (Reuter) - Portugal yesterday dismissed a televised statement by the captured East Timor rebel leader, Xanana Gusmao, in which he renounced his 17-year struggle for independence. '(Xanana) did not have a lawyer or conditions to defend himself and he was certainly tortured and threatened,' said President Mario Soares. A television film depicting Mr Gusmao purportedly accepting the incorporation of the former Portuguese colony into Indonesia and calling on his guerrilla comrades to surrender was shown on Portuguese television on Tuesday night.
Mr Gusmao, leader of the Falantil guerrilla movement, was arrested in the East Timor capital of Dili last month and has been under interrogation by the military on the island of Bali.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments