Lankan ex-military chief goes on trial
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
The military trial of the former head of Sri Lanka's military forces is underway in Columbo, reports ABC News.
Sarath Fonseka faces charges of mixing politics with his military career.
General Fonseka was arrested last month soon after losing Sri Lanka's presidential election to the incumbent, Mahinda Rajapakse.
Sri Lankan officials accuse him of plotting a coup against the government and of planning to assassinate Mr Rajapakse.
But General Fonseka says the charges against him are politically motivated and designed to stop him contesting next month's parliamentary elections.
Sarath Fonseka faces charges of mixing politics with his military career.
General Fonseka was arrested last month soon after losing Sri Lanka's presidential election to the incumbent, Mahinda Rajapakse.
Sri Lankan officials accuse him of plotting a coup against the government and of planning to assassinate Mr Rajapakse.
But General Fonseka says the charges against him are politically motivated and designed to stop him contesting next month's parliamentary elections.