Timor trial

The captured East Timor rebel leader, Xanana Gusmao, will be tried under Indonesia's criminal law, the national news agency quoted the Attorney General, Singgih, as saying. Diplomats said the decision might let Mr Gusmao escape a death sentence, which he could have faced had he been tried under the harsher subversion law, writes Raymond Whitaker.

Mr Gusmao has appeared on television to renounce the fight against Indonesian control of the former Portuguese colony, but human rights groups believe he has been tortured in custody.