Private gets lethal lesson

DILI, East Timor: A private in the infantry was beaten to death by his instructor during a training session at Yonif 745 battalion's headquarters in Lospalos on Saturday.

Second Private Swandi, who had just been assigned to the battalion, died after being struck by Second Sgt. T at the battalion's headquarters.

Lt. Col. Supadi, chief of staff of the East Timor Wira Dharma/164 Military Command, confirmed the incident, saying that the instructor had gone beyond the rights given to him as an instructor.

According to him, Swandi died after being unconscious for several minutes.

"He fell unconscious immediately after being beaten by his instructor and died several minutes later due to the absence of immediate medical help," he said.

Swandi's death ignited the anger of his fellow soldiers, who strongly urged the East Timor Military commander to take stiff measures against the instructor.

Shortly after the incident, the battalion's commander reportedly sought refuge at the Lospalos district military office.

The fate of the instructor remains unclear. (33/bsr)