Six arrested for riots

DILI, East Timor (JP): Police have arrested several people that they believe masterminded the July 20 ethnic riots in Baucau, in which several people were injured and 20 shops burned down, the local police chief said yesterday.

East Timor police chief Col. Andreas Sugianto declined to specify the exact number of people arrested but eyewitnesses said that up to six people were detained.

"They are under questioning and if we have enough evidence (of their involvement) they will be brought to court," Sugianto said.

The rioting was triggered by rumors that a local youth had been killed by his Javanese employer. Dozens of angry locals then attacked the Kotabaru market. Police said that two of the three injured were policemen. The mob also reportedly damaged one car.

But some relatives of the victims put the number of injuries between six and eight, some seriously. (yac/pan)