Suspect surrenders in East Timor probe

The man who allegedly shot and critically wounded East Timor’s president last month was in custody today after surrendering to police.

Amaro da Costa turned himself in without a fight late yesterday, handing over two automatic weapons and some ammunition.

The ex-policeman allegedly shot President Jose Ramos-Horta outside his home on February 11.

Mr Ramos-Horta is recovering from multiple rounds of surgery in an Australian hospital, while prime minister Xanana Gusmao escaped unharmed during a separate ambush on his motorcade the same day.

The attacks – which highlighted the nation’s volatility just six years after declaring independence – were the culmination of a bitter dispute between hundreds of renegade troops like Da Costa and the government.

Da Costa told reporters Sunday he “was involved” in the “incident” at Mr Ramos-Horta’s residence, but refused to elaborate.

“I will explain the details at the Attorney General’s office,” he said.

The tiny nation broke violently from Indonesia following 24 years of brutal occupation in 1999. It declared independence three years later after a brief period of UN administration.