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.