Rape reported to police chief

Rape reported to police chief

DILI, East Timor: A local legislator called on National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman Astrosemito yesterday to look into a report alleging that two policemen raped a local detainee in Baucau, about 180 kilometers east of here, last year.

He said relatives of the victim have repeatedly approached him to ask Banurusman for a reply to their letter concerning the alleged rape involving a second lieutenant and a second sergeant.

The victim is still in detention and there is no indication that the case will be brought to court, he told The Jakarta Post.

The letter, sent to the police chief by the victim's brother, Roberto Costa, on Oct. 15, 1994 said she was detained at the Baucau police precinct after being involved in a minor feud with her sister.

"The two suspects should be held responsible for their misconduct," Manuel said.

East Timor police chief Col. Andreas Sugianto has denied the rape claim, saying that the report was slanderous. (yac)