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Timor-Leste International and Local Media Monitoring August 12, 2004

Timor Post

Police and Prosecutor's negligence led to death of Soares

According to the newspaper the Public Defender who's handling the illegal detention of 24 members of CPD-RDTL, Pedro Aparicio, accused the police and the prosecutor for negligence that led to the death of Jose Soares. According to the report Jose Soares, also a member of CPD-RDTL passed away following the release of the group after being arrested by PNTL in Uai-Bobo suco sub-district of Viqueque, on July 28, 2004. Aparicio, who previously handled the case, argued that the prosecutor and the police have the obligation and responsibility to return the suspects safely back to their hometown. He explained further that the police and the prosecutor did not meet their obligation in returning those people to their family and to clarify the court's decision to the family member(s). Meanwhile the National Police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, said that he had not received a report regarding the death of Jose Soares, a member of CPD-RDTL but had already requested more information from Baucau police.

15 police officers awarded certificates at completion of training

The newspaper reports that a ceremony was held at PNTL police academy on Tuesday to award certificates to 15 PNTL officers who have completed 7 days of training on 'basic rifle use'. According to the report, the PNTL and F-FDTL officers conducted the training together. It started on August 2 and concluded on August 9, 2004.

LAFAEK training for teachers

The newspaper reports that the Ministry of Education and Care International have set up a training course for primary school teachers from 13 Districts on how to teach children through the use of the LAFAEK magazine. The training consisted of social behavior, politics and culture that is published in the LAFAEK magazine. According to the newspaper LAFAEK has 16 pages which soon will increase to 32 pages. CARE International is responsible for the publication and the stories are supported by the Ministry of Education, the World Bank, UNO Institution and UNICEF.

Inform Police before stage any demonstration, says Horta

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Ramos Horta, said that in all democratic nations before any demonstration that takes place, the police need to be informed. The Minister made an appeal to the Timorese society to inform the National Police before staging any protest in order for the police to give them protection and security. The Minister said that anyone has the right to demonstrate but the police need to be informed otherwise it would considered an illegal demonstration without proper authorization.

Suara Timor Loro Sa'e (STL)

Not our duty to transport them back home, says Martins

The National Police Commissioner, Paulo de Fatima Martins, said that is not a duty for the police to provide transport back home for released prisoners. The Commissioner said that the role of the police is to investigate, arrest and present the culprit to the prosecutor.

Jose Filipe External Affairs World Bank, Dili Office