08 May 2009

Lawyer slams conspiracy charges against Pires

The lawyer representing a woman charged with conspiracy to murder East Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta has concerns about the legal process in the country.

The charge against Angelita Pires relates to the assassination attempt on Mr Ramos-Horta in Dili last year.

Darwin-based Jon Tippett QC is lead Australian counsel for Ms Pires and says the case against her is completely without substance.

Mr Tippett says an announcement about a trial date for Ms Pires was made on local television before the defendant was informed.

He intends to make a complaint to the president of the Court of Appeal in East Timor, saying it does not instil confidence in the rule of law and the right to a fair trial.

The trial is reportedly set to commence on July 13.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/07/2563339.htm?site=local

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