East Timor PM fails to appear for court hearing

EAST TIMOR’S ousted prime minister failed to appear yesterday for questioning over gunrunning charges that contributed to his downfall, saying he was immune from prosecution.

Former leader Mari Alkatiri instead chose to address 1,000 cheering supporters, who camped out in the grounds of Dili’s university after marching through the city, amid a massive security clampdown by international peacekeepers.

“We are all brothers,” he said, urging the crowd not to take part in violence.