Rights commission arrives in Dili

Rights commission arrives in Dili

DILI, East Timor: A team of the National Commission on Human
Rights led by deputy chairman Marzuki Darusman arrived here
yesterday to investigate the riot at the University of East Timor
last Friday.

Antara quoted commission member Clementino dos Amaral as
saying that there had been many conflicting reports on the
incident, confusing the public. Along with Amaral, Sugiri and
B.M. Marbun will also take part in the investigation.

A clash took place last Friday between students and security
personnel. The students were holding a demonstration in
commemoration of the Nov. 12, 1990 riot that, according to
official statements, led to the death of 50 residents while
scores of others went missing.

According to Amaral, the university and residents said
students were shot dead in the incident, while the military said
no one died.

"The conflicting statements confused the public," he said.

The commission members will stay for several days, and will
meet with East Timor Military Chief Col. Salamat Sidabutar,
police chief Col. Atok Riswanto, the university's rector, Paulus
Kaju, students and local people. (swe)