'Police unable to control militias'

JAKARTA: Two police officers testifying in the current ad hoc rights tribunal told the court on Thursday that security personnel could not prevent pro-Jakarta militias from attacking pro-independence supporters because the events took place in many places.

Former Liquica Police precinct chief Comr. Andios Salova and former Dili Police precinct chief Comr. Hulman told the Central Jakarta Human Rights Court that "there were too many pro- integration armed groups attacking pro-independence supporters, making it difficult for police personnel to stop them".

The two officers were testifying in a court trial against former East Timor Police chief Brig. Gen. Timbul Selaen, who is charged with gross human rights violations for failure to prevent the killing of civilians in a Liquica church on April 6, 1999, and the attacks on the residences of pro-independence leaders Manuel Viegas Carrascalao and Leandro Isaac on April 17, 1999.

According to Salova, pro-integration groups attacked the Liquica Catholic church because "it had been made as a safe haven for pro-independence supporters". At least 22 people were killed in the attack.

Gultom said pro-integration militias attacked Carrascalao's residence because they were frustrated with the government's decision to give the second option -- independence -- to East Timor. -- JP