Rights body investigates death of Dili soldier
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)