Attack on E. Timor newsman condemned<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Last week's assault on a journalist and the
\noffice of the only East Timor newspaper by members of a youth
\norganization has triggered strong reactions from officials and
\nthe local bishop.<\/p>\n
The attack was carried out by eight youths from Pemuda
\nPancasila on Dec. 7. They charged that Suara Timor Timur (STT)
\nran a story that damaged the reputation of Ahmad Alkatiri, the
\nchairman of the organization's local chapter.<\/p>\n
Minister of Information Harmoko, East Timor governor Abilio
\nJose Osorio Soares and Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo deplored
\nthe incident and called for legal actions against the vandals.<\/p>\n
In the Monday's hearing with the House of Representatives
\n(DPR), Harmoko urged the authorities to take prompt, tough action
\nagainst those who took law into their own hands.<\/p>\n
\"I deeply regret the incident and hope for quick actions
\nagainst the attackers,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The incident happened when Alkatiri's messengers vandalized
\nSTT's newsroom, smashing telephones, TV sets, radios, tape
\nrecorders and window panes.<\/p>\n
They also kidnapped journalist Jacobus Herin for reporting on
\nthe attempted murder of Alkatiri by an unknown gang, apparently
\ncommitted over a land dispute. Herin was reportedly beaten up at
\nAlkatiri's house.<\/p>\n
The disputed story was distorted by both Alkatiri, the police
\nand witnesses' versions of the conflict.<\/p>\n
STT deputy chief editor Yohanes Agus Ismunarno said in a Dec.
\n10 letter to the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) in
\nJakarta that the local authorities had done nothing to the
\nvandals.<\/p>\n
\"They roam around as free men like they are beyond the reach
\nof the long arm of the law,\" he said in the letter.<\/p>\n
Up to yesterday, the authorities had done nothing to the
\nalleged attackers, though several STT journalists had been
\nquestioned, an anonymous source from East Timor told The Jakarta
\nPost.<\/p>\n
In yesterday's issue, STT quoted local police chief Col.
\nAndreas Sugianto as saying that the Alkatiri admitted ordering
\nthe attack.<\/p>\n
Alkatiri, according to STT, has verbally apologized to the
\nnewspaper, saying that the action was carried out because he
\ncould not control his anger.<\/p>\n
Chairman of the Pemuda Pancasila central executive Board in
\nJakarta, Yapto Suryosumarno, was not available for comment
\nyesterday.<\/p>\n
Governor Abilio condemned the recklessness and warned that
\nsuch violent acts would lead to anarchy unless the authorities
\ntook the necessary legal actions against those involved.<\/p>\n
\"Every citizen has the right to sue any journalist they
\nbelieve has smeared their good name; but not kidnap and beat them
\nat their home,\" he said when meeting with STT journalists who
\nbriefed him on the incident.<\/p>\n
Bishop Belo said the action only tarnished the image of the
\nyouth organization.<\/p>\n
\"It's ironic because the brutality was committed by
\nindividuals who claim to be believers in Pancasila (the state
\nideology) which encourages good conduct,\" he said.<\/p>\n
STT journalists have considered a peaceful strike if the local
\nauthorities fail to give them assurance of safety.<\/p>\n
Starting on Feb. 1, 1993, STT was the only local newspaper in
\nthe youngest province. Its circulation fluctuates between 3,500
\nand 5,000 copies. The media is partly owned by the Provincial
\ngovernment.(pan)<\/p>",
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