East Timor govt survives vote

East Timor’s government survived a no-confidence vote called after it met Indonesia’s request to release an alleged militia leader accused of masterminding the church murder of women, children and priests a decade ago.

The opposition Fretilin party put forward the motion after prime minister Xanana Gusmao’s August 30 order to free Maternus Bere.

The United Nations has a warrant for Bere, who is accused of crimes against humanity, including persecution, forced disappearances, torture, extermination and abduction. East Timor’s supreme court believes his release has violated the constitution and has launched an investigation.