E. Timor rebels shoot teacher

DILI, East Timor: Members of the armed insurgent group Falentil group, shot dead an elementary school teacher at Viqueque, about 197 kilometers east of here, on Wednesday while he was teaching sixth grade students.

East Timor police spokesman Capt. Widodo DS was quoted by Antara as saying that Fransisco Amaral, 46, was shot by Falentil members from the classroom doorway.

Six bullet shells were found at the scene and an autopsy showed Amaral was hit in the back of the head.

"The background of the incident is still being investigated," Widodo said.

Head of the local education office Andry Sutardi voiced his concern over the incident.

"I condemn the killing. How could a teacher be treated in such a sadistic way while he was doing his job?"

He called on teachers in remote areas to be on guard but continue their work with a high sense of dedication.