Timor-Leste: International community must press for justice for crimes against humanity
On the fourth anniversary of the vote for independence by the people of Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor), Amnesty
International is launching a new campaign to ensure that the victims of the 1999 violence do not have to wait another
four years for justice.
On 30 August 1999, the people of Timor-Leste voted overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesia. An estimated 1,300
people were murdered by the Indonesian security forces and pro-Indonesia militia opposed to independence. The crimes
committed were so widespread and systematic that they are considered to be crimes against humanity. Four years on, the
majority of victims and their families are still waiting for justice.
"The plight of the survivors and families of those who were attacked, killed, tortured or raped must not be forgotten,"
Amnesty International said.
"The persistent refusal of the Indonesian authorities to cooperate with the justice process in Timor-Leste, and the
failure of the recently completed trials in Jakarta, Indonesia, to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to
justice, means that the international community must now take action," Amnesty International added.
The organization is calling on the United Nations (UN) to undertake an independent review of the Jakarta trials with a
view to recommending further measures to ensure that justice is achieved and the truth revealed.
Among those killed in Timor-Leste in 1999 were Ana Xavier da Conceição Lemos, a prominent political activist, primary
school teacher and mother of three children. Ana had been outspoken in her criticism of the Indonesian military and in
her support for independence . On the day of the independence ballot she was beaten and interrogated by militiamen led
by an Indonesian military officer. She is subsequently reported to have been raped in detention before "disappearing".
Her body was discovered in November 1999.
Students Augustino de Carvalho and Estevao Xavier Pereira were witnessed being beaten and kicked by Indonesian soldiers
in May 1999. The eyewitness later heard two shots ring out and a vehicle driving away very fast. The students' bodies
were discovered buried together with their hands tied.
Anacleto da Silva, a young father of two, was working as an interpreter for a British journalist and an American
photographer. In September 1999 the men were travelling in a taxi when they crossed paths with Indonesian military
Battalion 745, which was withdrawing its troops back to Indonesia. After attacking the taxi driver and blinding him in
the eye with their rifle butts, soldiers forced Anacleto into a truck with other prisoners. He has not been seen since.
These tragic cases represent just a tiny number of the victims of the violence in 1999. In addition to those killed,
unknown numbers of men, women and children were tortured or raped. Often targeted because of their support for the
independence movement, the victims included political activists, community leaders, students, priests and nuns, and
local people employed by the UN Mission in East Timor (UNAMET).
The Indonesian security forces were responsible for protecting the people of Timor-Leste, but stood by as the violence
escalated and often participated directly in many attacks. Today, many Indonesian military or police officers who
colluded in the violence remain in active service, some in senior posts.
Background
On 30 August 1999, in a UN-organized ballot, 78.5% of voters chose to reject Indonesian rule. Extensive evidence shows
that the militia groups responsible for the violence before and after the ballot received the active support of the
Indonesian armed forces, police and civilian authorities. Trials of suspected perpetrators, which recently concluded in
Indonesia, have been seriously flawed. The majority of defendants were acquitted, while six men who received short
prison terms have been released pending appeal. They include several members of the Indonesian military or police who
remain in active service.
A parallel justice process in Timor-Leste has made considerable progress in investigating the crimes. Indictments have
been issued against more than 300 individuals, the majority for crimes against humanity. 221 suspects named in the
indictments remain in Indonesia, but the authorities have consistently refused to transfer them to Timor-Leste to stand
trial.
For further information and to take action, please see AI's web action: http://amnesty-news.c.tclk.net/maaboN4aaZ96Vbb0hPub/
See also: Indonesia & Timor-Leste: International responsibility for justice http://amnesty-news.c.tclk.net/maaboN4aaZ96Wbb0hPub/
View all documents on Timor-Leste http://amnesty-news.c.tclk.net/maaboN4aaZ96Xbb0hPub/