Rights body investigates death of Dili soldier

DILI, East Timor (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights has launched an investigation into the Christmas Eve violence that left an off-duty soldier dead and many residents injured.

Clementino Dos Reis Amaral said yesterday he has been assigned to gather information about the incident. If deemed necessary, a fact-finding team would be formed to dig deeper.

"The commission is established to defend everyone's rights, not just particular groups only," he said. "The commission has tended to civilians' complaints of rights violation (committed by the military). Now that a military officer is killed, the commission bears the same responsibility to investigate the case."

First Corporal Alfredo Siga, on Christmas leave, was beaten to death on Dec. 24 by a mob inside the Vilaverde Cathedral compound welcoming the return of Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo from Europe, after his crowning as this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner in Oslo.

Twelve people were injured during skirmishes as thousands of people thronged the streets between Komoro airport and the cathedral for a glimpse of the leader of the East Timor Roman Catholic Church.

Amaral said he would report his finding to the commission's headquarters in Jakarta before any decision can be made whether the incident contains elements of rights violations.

"Overall, our nation experienced more violence this year compared to previous years. We need to work hard to prevent such occurrences from happening," he said.

Meanwhile, East Timor Police Chief Col. Yusuf Mucharam told reporters yesterday that out of 29 people detained after the incident, 12 are suspected of killing Alfredo.

The 12 alleged perpetrators are civil servants and jobless people, some repeat offenders.

"When there is sufficient evidence, they will be brought to court and punished severely," Yusuf said.

The 29 people were captured in a short time following the incident thanks to many people's help, Yusuf said. However, he regretted the poor cooperation of the church's security, which he blamed for the violence. (33/06)