Father Martinho Gusmao is facing corruption charges over the use of a government car. (Photo by Michael Coyne)
A priest in Timor-Leste facing charges over the improper use of a government car says his “mistake” should be seen against corrupt practices in society as well as the local Catholic Church.
Father Martinho Gusmao, head of Dili's St. Peter and St. Paul seminary, returned to court June 26 over corruption charges that he improperly used a government car and fuel.
After a brief hearing in the Dili District Court the case was held over until July 13, after his co-accused, politician Gastao de Sousa failed to appear.
Following the hearing, Father Gusmao claimed there was widespread corruption in the church in Timor-Leste.
"I think I am like a scapegoat. Everybody has committed mistakes: the government make a mistake giving money to the church. In the government, there are corrupt people and in the church there are some corrupt people," said Father Gusmao without naming names.
Father Gusmao said he borrowed the car, used it then had it repaired and returned it to the government and "now they are trying me."
"If we want to be fair, most priests and nuns could all end up in jail because we have all received cars and money," he said.
Father Gusmao was organizing an important ecclesiastical event at the time the alleged offences within his diocese.
Father Juvito de Rego, spokesman for the local church, told ucanews.com: "This case implicated Father Martinho personally, so he has no right to bring all the church into this matter."