Youths protest nun's death

DILI, East Timor: More than 100 angry youths gathered at a convent yesterday shortly after the death of a nun who was hit by a vehicle driven by a non-native.

Dili Bishop Mgr. Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo managed to calm down the local youths and prevent them from rioting.

Sr. Maria Bendita had just left the Dili diocese at noon and was waiting for public transport when a Kijang car hit and dragged her some 40 meters away. The driver, identified only as SD, reportedly had lost control of the vehicle because he was minding a set of food containers which was slipping from his left hand.

A group of youths brought the 43-year-old nun to Dili's public hospital, but she soon died of severe head injuries.

Bishop Belo persuaded the youths to join a mass ceremony, during which time he told them that the death was the will of God. He called on them to pray for her.

Dili police chief Lt. Col. Beno J.C. Kalipong said SD had been arrested and is to face legal charges. (29/swe)