Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ali Alatas SH
Menteri Luar Negeri
Jl. Medan Taman Pejambon No. 6
Jakarta
Indonesia

Dear Minister:

I wish to express my concern regarding the arrest and continued detention of 24 East Timorese youths at a demonstration at the Mahkota Hotel in Dili on 23 March 1997.

Approximately 200 demonstrators gathered at the hotel where Mr. Jamsheed Marker, the United Nations Personal Representative of the Secretary General on East Timor, was staying during a 3-day visit to East Timor. They hoped to be able to present Mr. Marker with some documents. However, police and troops arrived at the hotel and attempted to disperse the crowd, and clashes broke out between security forces and the demonstrators. Some of the demonstrators were injured and later treated at a military hospital.

It is my understanding that initially 48 people were arrested and, of those, 24 have since been released. The 24 others who are still detained are now facing charges of publicly expressing hatred against the government.

I find it very disturbing that these young people are still being held. Since they have not been charged with committing any acts of violence, why have they not been released? I am concerned that they are being held solely for the peaceful expression of their political beliefs. Under such conditions, I believe they should be released immediately and unconditionally.

Until the time they are released, I urge your government to ensure that none of the detainees is at risk of torture or ill-treatment. Please also ensure that all have unhindered access to lawyers during the investigation of their cases.

Respectfully yours,