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East Timor flag - Source: Reuters
Australian woman Angelita Pires has been cleared of plotting to assassinate East Timor's top two political leaders.
But 23 Timorese men have been jailed for between nine and 16 years for the February 2008 attempt on the lives of President Jose Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.
Pires, 44, was then the lover of rebel leader Alfredo Reinado, who was shot dead in a gunfight that left Ramos Horta critically wounded.
Prosecutors had accused Pires of being an "indirect author" of the assassination plot by convincing Reinado to kill the leaders and financing the rebels.
But after a seven-month trial, the Dili District Court on Wednesday absolved Pires after finding there was not enough evidence to convict her.
There were emotional scenes as Pires walked free from the packed courtroom. She cried as she embraced her sister, Laka Noronha.
"I am extremely relieved to be exonerated by the court of any involvement in the events of February 11, 2008," she told reporters.
"My life has been on hold for over two years and it has been an enormously stressful and emotional time for me and for my loved ones."
Pires thanked the court for recognising the allegations against her were a "set-up".
"I have learnt that liberty is one of the most important things a person can possess," she said.
She also thanked her family, friends, legal team, the Australian government and the media.
Pires paid tribute to Reinado's struggle for "truth and justice" and vowed to stay in East Timor to support his men who, she said, were also innocent.
"I will not abandon them, I will continue to fight, I will continue to look for their liberty."
Earlier, Pires wept and held her lawyer's hand as the court jailed Reinado's men.
Reinado's second in command, Gastao Salsinha, was jailed for 10 years and eight months.
Gunman Marcelo Caetano, was jailed for 16 years.
Prosecutors declined to say if they would appeal Ms Pires' acquittal. They have 15 days to decide.
Four other men were also freed by the court.
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