Atambua murders<\/p>\n
We, the whole family, wish to express condolences over the
\nmurder of three UNHCR relief workers and 11 locals as a result of
\nthe assassination of Olivio Mendosa Moruk.<\/p>\n
One thing that needs clarifying is that it was reported one of
\nthe victims, Carlos Caceres, had sent an e-mail message to a
\nfriend of his six hours before he was murdered saying that a band
\nof militiamen was heading towards his office to destroy it and
\nthat they would kill him just like killing a mosquito in a
\nbedroom.<\/p>\n
My question is that why, after learning of this threat, they
\ndid not flee the area as there was still ample time to do this.
\nAccording to Indonesian sources, they did leave the UNHCR office
\nbut then returned. So, what for?<\/p>\n
According to news reports, a procession of thousands of people
\ntook to the street in protest at the assassination of Olivio, an
\nEast Timorese refugee. Then, part of the procession decided to go
\nto the UNHCR office and thousands of other protesters followed
\nthem. The reason why they later vented their anger on the UNHCR
\noffice must be ascertained so as to prevent the recurrence of a
\nsimilar incident.<\/p>\n
As had been expected, the entire blame is being laid on the
\nIndonesian government, particularly the security forces. What
\ncould some 20 security officers do in the face of some 5,000
\nprotesters armed with offensive weapons. Unlike in the New Order
\nera, today protesters no longer heed warning shots fired by
\nsecurity officers. They are convinced that the security officers
\nwill not dare to shoot protesters dead.<\/p>\n
All this has set me wondering. What would have happened if
\nsome UN troops had been stationed to guard the UNHCR office?
\nFeeling safe and secure, none of the UNHCR staffers would have
\nleft their office. What would the UN troops then do when
\nconfronted by some 5000 protesters all consumed by rage? Open
\nfire at the protesters? Their shots would result in all of them
\nand all the UNHCR staffers being killed. Of course, hundreds of
\nprotesters would also be either killed or wounded.<\/p>\n
SUNARTO PRAWIROSUJANTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/atambua-murders-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }