East Timor police fire tear gas to disperse former freedom fighters
East Timor police fire tear gas to disperse former freedom fighters
Agence France-Presse, Dili
East Timor police fired tear gas on Tuesday to evict former
freedom fighters who had occupied a government building to demand
reform of the police.
Some 100 anti-riot officers charged into the seafront building
that houses several ministries and the prime minister's office
after about 30 protesters ignored their call to quit the
premises.
Officers fired tear gas and beat some protesters, witnesses
said, but no serious injuries were reported. Police declined to
confirm reports that five people were arrested.
The protesters were former members of the Falintil guerrilla
army which had battled Indonesian rule in the territory. They
began demonstrating at the site on Monday afternoon.
Some carried banners and posters demanding Prime Minister Mari
Alkatiri order a reform of the national police.
Alkatiri said the protesters had been given until 8 a.m. to
leave the building after rejecting the government's offer of
dialog.
"But because after 8 a.m. they still had not left I ordered
the police to take action," he told reporters after a meeting
with President Xanana Gusmao to discuss the matter.
"I'm confused because their demand is not clear -- whether
they want reform in the government or in the police force only,"
he said.
Gusmao said he was trying to find a solution to the standoff
and arrange talks between the protesters and the government.
Residents said the protest was sparked by police action
against Cornelio Gama, one of the demonstration leaders, when he
was caught using a government vehicle on a weekend.
As part of an efficiency drive, personal use of government
vehicles is banned.
Former Falintil members have demonstrated several times in the
past, saying they have been left out of the country's
development.
East Timorese voted to separate from Indonesia in August 1999,
which intensified a spate of Indonesian army-backed attacks on
independence supporters.
The country was Asia's poorest when it became independent in
May 2002 after a period of United Nations stewardship.
Two people were killed and 25 injured when riots broke out in
December 2002 in Dili. Some 10 buildings were torched, including
Alkatiri's home.