Subject: ETHRC UA 5/98PR Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 17:56:40 -1000 From: ethrc <ethrc@minihub.org> EAST TIMOR HUMAN RIGHTS CENTRE URGENT ACTION Progress Report 10 July 1998 NAMES: Antonio da Costa Mauricio da Costa VIOLATIONS: Arbitrary detention / Torture and Ill-treatment LOCATION: Baucau district, East Timor Ref: UA 5/98PR Previous report: UA 5/98 _________________________________________________________________________ The East Timor Human Rights Centre (ETHRC) has received further information in relation to two East Timorese men, Antonio da Costa and his brother Mauricio da Costa, who were reported to be held in incommunicado military custody, following their arrest on 12 May, 1998 in the village of Wainiki, Baucau district. The two brothers were suspected by the military of supporting the East Timorese Armed Resistance (Falintil). (See UA 5/98 for details). ETHRC sources have confirmed that the two men were released on 19 May 1998 after having been arbitrarily detained for one week at the Kopassus (Special Forces Command) headquarters in Baucau (known as "Rumah Merah" or "Red House"), reputed to be a torture centre of the Indonesian military. It is believed that during detention Antonio and Mauricio da Costa had their hands burned and received electric shocks to their bodies. As a result of the torture, Antonio da Costa is experiencing difficulties with movement in his body. Both men continue to suffer from trauma due to their experience. NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUIRED IN RELATION TO THIS CASE Thank-you to all those who took action |
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