Arrests in East Timor

Amnesty International has announced its

concern for the safety of 53 students, and possibly

many others, who were arrested by Indonesian security

forces in East Timor in advance of a visit to the

territory by members of the US Congress on September

1-2.

The whereabouts of the 53 are unknown. Amnesty

believes that they may be prisoners of conscience,

detained solely because of their non-violent political

activities. It fears that they may be subjected to

torture or ill-treatment while in custody.

Reports indicate that the arrests were carried out in

an effort to prevent any pro-independence

demonstrations from taking place while the

congressional delegates were in East Timor. Indonesian

military officials have denied that the arrests took

place, Amnesty said.

Amnesty International has also received reports that

dozens of other people were picked up for

interrogation prior to, and following, the

congressional visit. The situation in Dili, as well as

in Baucau, Los Palos and Manatuto, is reported to

remain very tense, with the towns being kept under

strict surveillance by the military.

A Swedish parliamentary delegation is due to arrive in

to East Timor on September 13.

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