Human rights in East Timor

Human rights in East Timor

If we really want to uphold human rights in East Timor, we
should not treat the matter in a fragmentary manner. Rather, we
should give the same treatment to whoever might have been
involved in human rights violations in East Timor, beginning from
the moment the territory was integrated into Indonesia in 1975.

After all, if humanitarian causes are the issue, what
difference can there be between violations committed in 1975 and
those after the independence referendum?

We therefore support proposals to investigate officials,
whether civilian or military, who were in charge of East Timor at
that time -- like General Benny Moerdani and Lt. Gen. Theo Syafei
-- as well. The public is certain to approve of such an
investigation, since it would be fair and benefit human rights,
not just political cosmetics.

-- Republika, Jakarta