Private gets lethal lesson

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)