To All Living Things
Last Week's Column

Amnesty Action:
Fear of Torture/Possible Prisoners of Conscience
by Kathy Gay

his week's action from Amnesty International concerns the arrest of two unidentified East Timorese youths after a non-violent pro-independence demonstration in Dili, the capital of East Timor, on November 25, 1996. Amnesty International fears they may have been arrested solely for the peaceful expression of their political views and are at risk of torture or ill-treatment.

Torture and ill-treatment of political prisoners in East Timor is routine. Prisoners are frequently denied access to lawyers and members of their family, increasing the risk of such treatment.

Specific information about this action is included in the sample letter that follows.

Background Information

The Indonesian authorities commonly respond to demonstrations with arbitrary detention, including the detention of peaceful protesters, beatings, torture, and, in some cases, extrajudicial executions. At least 150 people were arrested after disturbances in Baucau in June. Most were released shortly afterwards, but 21 of them were subsequently tried and sentenced to up to four-and-a-half years' imprisonment.

Tension has increased in East Timor in recent weeks as demonstrations have taken place to commemorate the November 21, 1991 Santa Cruz massacre and in support of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Bishop Belo, who has been criticized by Indonesian authorities for an interview with him published in the German magazine, Der Spiegel. Most of the protests have been peaceful, although some have involved stone-throwing. There were no reports of any arrests prior to the demonstration on November 25th.

This action expired on December 31, 1996, and its accompanying sample letter removed.

Thanks to everyone who sent letters to government officials in Indonesia on behalf of these two East Timorese youth.