From UNMISET

Date: 09/23/2003 04:55PM

Dili, September 22 2003

Daily Media Review

Former Indonesian Soldier Indicted for Torture and Disappearance

The Acting Deputy General Prosecutor for Serious Crimes filed a single indictment with the Special Panel for Serious Crimes at Dili District Court in Timor-Leste on 23 September 2003. The indictment charges Rusdin Maubere with crimes against humanity for the torture and enforced disappearance of a pro-independent supporter in Liquiça District on 26 April 1999. The indictment specifically charges Maubere with the torture and enforced disappearance of André de Oliveira in Dato village in Liquiça District. Maubere was arrested in March 2003 after entering Timor-Leste from West Timor and is currently in detention in Timor-Leste. It is expected that Maubere will stand trial at the Special Panel for Serious Crimes in the coming months. (SCU) Man shot dead in clash with BPU identified

The body of the man shot dead by the BPU [Border Patrol Unit of PNTL] on Friday during an incident near Maliana [Bobonaro District] was taken back to West Timor and delivered to his family. This follows a request made earlier to the Acting Prime Minister, Ana Pessoa, for the body's return. The man has been identified as Viegas Bili Atu, and he is thought to be approximately 45-years old. Initial reports indicate that he may have been an ex militia. Police are continuing their investigation into the incident. Viegas Bili Atu died on Friday evening when three BPU officers were conducting a patrol near border Junction Point ­ C [Maliana], an area where an illegal market often operates. They came across four men crossing from West Timor into Timor-Leste. One of the men shot an arrow at the BPU, injuring one officer in the leg. The BPU then opened fire and Viegas Bili Atu was shot dead. The other men fled across the border to West Timor. According to Jakarta Post on its Monday edition, Indonesian authorities said that they were increasing security in the border after the incident. The newspaper quoting the Police Chief of Belu as saying that West Timor authorities temporarily closed Turiskain traditional market "to prevent possible revenge attacks by local residents". (JP)

President Gusmão to Collect Historical Resistance Documents

On Monday President Xanana Gusmão began a four-day visit to the district of Baucau as part of his open presidency program. He is expected to meet with former resistance combatants on order to collect historical documents of the Timorese resistance. It is reported that the documents will be placed in the "Resistance Archives of Timor-Leste," set in Dili under the aegis of the President of the Republic. The President is due back in Dili on September 25. Investigation on Police Officers with Different Jobs: Barris The Deputy Minister of Interior, Alcino Barris said investigation would be conducted on some officers of the police force who are reportedly working as security guards as well. Barris said the Minister of Interior has not been informed about this issue and his ministry will analyze the legislation regarding the duties and rights of the police. He appealed to the police officers currently holding two different jobs to focus mainly on their full time work because many youths have been complaining of not having a change to work as security because the jobs are all taken by the police officers, reported Timor Post. (TP)

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