Indonesian military captures
Fretilin leader

By Vanessa Hearman

Xanana Gusmau, the leader of the East Timorese liberation movement Fretilin, was arrested on November 21 by the Indonesian occupying forces. Fretilin has called on the Australian government and human rights groups to take action to ensure that Xanana is protected and released.

Xanana's son, Nito Gusmao, told Green Left Weekly: “Xanana came down to Dili to meet up with Fretlin forces, was caught at 6 o'clock in the morning, while he was sleeping and extradited to Jakarta. An East Timorese informer is suspected to have collaborated with the Indonesian military leading to his arrest."

Portugal has offered Xanana political asylum and the United Nations Human Rights Commission wants to take him out of Indonesia.

Fretilin and the East Timorese community in Australia organised an emergency national day of action outside Indonesian consulates on November 21 to put pressure on the Keating government to demand Xanana's safety. Actions took place in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Darwin. n

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