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Amnesty Action:
'Disappearance'/Fear
For Safety
Amnesty International is very concerned about the safety of a 17-year-old student in East Timor who has not been seen since July 1996. He was reportedly taken from his home by unidentified men who may be acting in collusion with the government and attacking individuals suspected of participating in pro-independence activities.
Fifteen other youths were also arrested by the military on the same night. Amnesty International is not aware if all fifteen have subsequently been released, but at least two were reportedly tortured in custody.
Specific information about this action is
included in the sample letter
which follows.
Background Information
East Timor was once a Portuguese colony. It is located north of Australia between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It declared its independence from Portugal on November 28, 1975. Nine days later, it was invaded by Indonesian military forces.
East Timor is still under Indonesian rule today -- at great cost. An estimated one-and-a-half million East Timorese, maybe more, have been murdered by the dictatorial regime of President Suharto of Indonesia. Supporters of independence for East Timor have been subjected to numerous human rights abuses including arbitrary detention, torture, ‘disappearances' and extrajudicial executions. The risk of human rights violations is increased by restrictions placed by the Indonesian authorities on access to East Timor by independent human rights monitors and foreign journalists. Individuals taken into custody are frequently denied access to independent lawyers, their families and medical assistance, placing them at risk of torture and possible ‘disappearance.'
How you can help
This action expired on December 15, 1996, and the accompanying sample letter with detailed information about the case has been removed. Thanks to everyone who sent letters to Indonesian authorities on behalf of this young man.
Questions?
If you have any questions, just post a message to me (Kathy Gay) on the Activism Board, and I will respond as soon as I can. I greatly appreciate your interest and support.