91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳

By Tom Flanagan DARWIN — East Timor activists believe that the charging of five protesters over the burning of Indonesian flags is politically motivated. The summonses were issued last week, more than a month after activists burned 20 Indonesian military flags on December 7 to mark the 20th anniversary of Indonesia's invasion of East Timor. The flags were burned in the street outside the Indonesian consulate. Rob Wesley-Smith, president of Australians For a Free East Timor (AFFET), argued that "the use of the Territory Fire Services Act against us for burning a piece of cloth on a bituminised area during the wet season would be laughable if it wasn't potentially very serious, with jail terms quite possible". Comments from the Indonesian consulate imply that the charges are politically motivated. Referring to the issuing of summonses in a translated interview, broadcast on SBS and ABC television last week, Indonesian vice-consul Wishnu Mahendra commented: "The local government strongly states that as long as we provide evidence of swearing and insulting from demonstrators, they would arrest them ... We feel very heartened by this response because the government is getting tougher on demonstrators." NT Chief Minister Shane Stone has denied that political pressure led to the summonses being issued. He said, "Police determine who they proceed against, not politicians". Stone's ministerial responsibilities include police and fire services, and formerly included trade relations with the Asian region. At a recent National Party conference, Stone argued against a resolution demanding the withdrawal of Indonesian troops from East Timor because it might jeopardise NT trade interests. AFFET activist Andrew McNaughton said that Stone has "no evident concern for basic justice for the East Timorese in their own country, or freedom of expression in Australia".