Rights violation occurred in Dili riot: Rights body

DILI, East Timor (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights says there was a violation of human rights in the Christmas Eve violence that killed off-duty Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief Corporal Alfredo Dos Santos Siga.

Commission member Clementino Dos Reis Amaral said here Tuesday the rights violation occurred in a disturbance by a mob of youths outside the Vilaverde Cathedral during mass led by Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo who had just returned from Oslo where he received this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

Earlier reports said Siga, 46, was beaten and trampled to death. Amaral, however, said Siga was found with stab wounds to his forehead.

Church sources said the mob was angry that Siga and four other undercover security agents were carrying weapons. The military said Siga, an East Timorese recruit, was on leave and had gone to the cathedral on his own volition.

Eleven other people, including three civilians, were injured. Among the injured was Dili Police Chief Lieutenant Colonel Beno Kilapong, who needed six stitches after a stone hit him on the head.

Amaral said he had seen pictures of Siga and his wounds. "That was inhumane treatment (that Siga experienced)," Amaral said. "He suffered horrible torture. His body was mistreated cruelly."

"The commission is really concerned about this," he said.

Amaral also met Tuesday with deputy commander of Wira Dharma local military command Col. Soekotjo, during which he conveyed his condolences for Siga's death.

Amaral said the rights commission would first discuss the findings, including information received from the secretary of Dili diocese Father Antonio Da Costa, before determining the kind of action it would take.

Amaral also praised the Armed Forces' handling of the riots.

"They did not let themselves be provoked by a group of irresponsible people. I think the rights commission will officially convey its appreciation to the Armed Forces," he said.

Antara reported Tuesday that Chief of East Timor Police Col. Yusuf Muharam said the arrest of those suspected of sparking the Dec. 24 riots in Dili was carried out with proper procedure.

Twelve people have been arrested for allegedly sparking the riots.

Muharam said some of the suspects were caught with banners sporting critical statements, and ammunition for M16 and AK27 assault rifles. (33/swe)