From: apakabar@IGC.ORG (Indonesia Publications/Task Force)
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.seasia-l
Subject: Indonesian 'Justice'
Date: 17 Apr 92 19:58:24 GMT
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU
X-To:         seasia-l@msu.edu

Forwarded from GreenNet reg.easttimor conference:
Topic 352Motael youths on trial for murder
gn:tapolreg.easttimor 6:19 pm  Apr 17, 1992

Source: Tempo. Date: 18 April 1992. Original language:
Indonesian. Abridged slightly.  [Comment: The ultimate travesty!]

NOT SUBVERSION TRIALS

The Dili prosecutor's office has sent forward the papers for
five persons to be charged for another bloody incident. This
is the brawl on 28 October near Motael Church between pro-
integration and anti-integration Timorese groups.

Two persons died during the brawl, one on each side. Afonso
Hendriques, 30, on the pro side, died. On the other side,
Sebastiao Gomes, 16 years, died. His death was one of the
sparks that led to the Santa Cruz incident on 12 November.

The five whose cases were forwarded on 2 April are all anti-
integration supporters: Joao dos Santos, Jacob da Silva, Boby
Xavier, Alexio da Silva and Bonifacio Bareto. They are all
quite young, in their early twenties. Joao dos Santos was born
in Bobonaro, 23 years ago.

They are being charged with an act of premeditated violence
which led to one death. They are not being charged under the
anti-subversion law and their trials will commence next
Tuesday [21 April]. They face sentences of up to twenty years,
said the prosecutor.

They were arrested on 28 October when the police raided Motael
Church, which was suspected of being a base for anti-
integration groups. They were officially arrested on 29
October for rioting. Three other key persons, Marcus dos
Santos, Franselino and Manuel de Jesus, ran away and have not
yet been apprehended.

The fighting between the two groups of youths actually began
on 27 October around 11pm, at a time of tension about whether
the Portuguese parliamentary mission's visit would or would
not take place. The anti-integrationists led by Alexio da Silva
alias Cobra, had gathered at the Church when suddenly a group
of pro-integration youths challenged them to a fight. "Ayoh,
come you, if you dare. If not, we will attack," said
prosecutor Saul Lucas, mimicking the challenging words. Then
they did indeed attack with an immediate response from the
anti group in the church grounds.

After beating off the attack, Alexio planned a strategy in
case of another attack. They set up guard round the Church,
carrying weapons, stones, iron pipes, wooden clubs and knives.
It was their determination "to kill, if any attacker was
caught", according to the indictment prepared by Saul Lucas.

On 28 October, some ten pro-integration youths came again with
a larger number of people, but before they could enter the
church premises, they were met with a hail of stones. Afonso
was hit and was very shaky. "He was chased and set upon by
Franselino, Manuel de Jesus and Marcus dos Santos, the three
who have not yet been caught," said Saul Lucas.

Franselino struck Afonso with a piece of iron piping and
Marcus stabbed him in the waist. Afonso fell to the ground
covered in blood. Dead. Meanwhile, the pro-integration group
shot Sebastiao dead.

This time, it's the turn of the killers of Afonso. But surely
whoever caused the death of Sebastiao will also be charged.
[We'll believe that when it happens!]
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU