Subject: AI UA077/99 EAST TIMOR Arbitrary detention
Date: 14 Apr 99 19:21:47 -0400
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PUBLIC AI Index: ASA 21/25/99 14 April 1999
UA 77/99 Arbitrary detention/fear of torture/fear for safety
EAST TIMOR Manuel Magalhaes, civil servant Rafael, 27 Jose de Andrade
Amnesty International is seriously concerned for the safety of Manuel Magalhaes and
Rafael, arrested in separate incidents on 12 April 1999. Manuel Magalhaes is in police
custody in Maliana, Bobonaro District, and Rafael's whereabouts are unknown. Both men are
at risk of torture, and there are grave fears for their safety.
Manuel Magalhaes, a member of the pro-independence Conselho Nacional da Resistencia
Timorense, National Council for Timorese Resistance (CNRT), and former Bobonaro Public
Works District Head, was arrested along with seven other men on 12 April 1999 during a
joint action by the Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) and a paramilitary unit called
Halilintar in Maliana Sub-district, Bobonaro. During the operation several houses were
destroyed by the security forces, including those of the eight men taken into custody.
The seven other men have since been released. One of them, Jose de Andrade, was
reportedly beaten unconscious in custody, and needed hospital treatment upon his release.
The same day, Rafael, from Malilait village in Bobonaro Sub-district, Bobonaro
District, was reportedly arrested at the Tunu Bibi-Maliana bus terminal. It is believed
that ABRI soldiers from the Bobonaro Military Command were involved in the arrest.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The human rights situation in East Timor has deteriorated rapidly in the last two weeks
and supporters of independence, particularly those known to be members of the CNRT, are at
serious risk of human rights violations.
Paramilitary units established with the backing and support of ABRI have been targeting
civilian supporters of East Timorese independence. During their operations - often carried
out jointly with ABRI - supporters of independence have been intimidated, arbitrarily
arrested, ill-treated, and unlawfully killed.
On 6 April paramilitaries are reported to have killed between 30 and 57 people who had
sought refuge in the compound of a parish church in Liquisa, west of Dili. They were
forced out of the compound by tear gas, fired by Brimob, Police Mobile Brigades, and then
attacked by the paramilitaries with knives, machetes and guns. The authorities have
prevented an independent investigation of the events, and are believed to have already
destroyed vital evidence in the church compound.
In recent weeks the paramilitaries have increasingly threatened human rights
organizations, foreign and domestic journalists and humanitarian workers. The authorities
and paramilitary units are preventing human rights organizations from travelling to
investigate reports of human rights violations.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/faxes/express/airmail letters in Bahasa
Indonesia or English or your own language:
- urging the authorities to clarify the whereabouts of Manuel Magalhaes and the charges
he faces, and urging that he be immediately and unconditionally released if he is not to
be charged with a recognisably criminal offence;
- seeking assurances that he will not be tortured or ill-treated, and urging that he be
allowed access to legal counsel, his family and medical assistance;
- urging the authorities to investigate the fate and whereabouts of Rafael;
- urging the authorities to investigate allegations that Jose de Andrade was beaten
unconscious in custody;
- urging the authorities to investigate the killings which took place in Liquisa on 6
April and to ensure that human rights organizations have full and unhindered access to the
area.
APPEALS TO: (Time difference = GMT + 7 hrs / BST + 6 hrs)
Minister of Defence and Security:
Gen. Wiranto [Salutation: Dear Minister] Menteri Pertahanan dan Keamanan Jl. Medan
Merdeka Barat No.13-14 Jakarta 10110 Indonesia Fax: + 62 21 381 4535/ 384 5178
PLEASE SEND COPIES OF YOUR APPEALS TO: Embassy of Indonesia, 38 Grosvenor Square,
London W1X 9AD. Fax: 0171 491 4993
AND, IF POSSIBLE, TO THE FOLLOWING:
Minister of Foreign Affairs:
Ali Alatas S.H. [Salutation: Dear Minister] Menteri Luar Negeri Jl. Medan Taman
Pejambon No.6 Jakarta Indonesia Fax: +62 21 380 5511/345 7782/ 360 541/ 724 5354
PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Please do not send appeals after 26 May 1999.
If you have any queries about this Urgent Action or about + + the UA scheme in general,
please contact: + + Ray Mitchell / Becky Hess + + Amnesty International UK Section + + 99
- 119 Rosebery Avenue + + London EC1R 4RE email: ua@amnesty.org.uk
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