UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 23 March 2007

The situation in most of Dili is calm. However, there was fighting in Bairo Pite and Fatuhada last night.

Yesterday evening, at approximately 2117hrs, UNPOL responded to reports of fighting and gunshots at Bairo Pite junction. UNPOL and UN formed police units took control of the situation and dispersed the crowds, but not before two young Timorese males had suffered gunshot wounds in the fight. One of the injured males died later in the hospital, and the other is reported to be in a stable condition. UNPOL arrested two men in connection with the shooting and recovered two pistols. The National Investigation Department has recovered three live rounds and 23 empty cartridges from the scene and is conducting a follow-up investigation.

At approximately 0040hrs, UNPOL responded to reports of rock fighting at Fatuhada. No fighting was found, but patrolling formed police units later discovered a young male with arm injuries at the Old Airstrip. He was taken to Bairo Pite clinic for treatment. At around 0210 hrs, UNPOL and formed police units returned to the same location and discovered the body of a young male with a gunshot wound to his head. The National Investigation Department has been activated and is investigating the case.

The work of the different Police units continues. The National Vulnerable Persons Unit has received three new investigators and is preparing a plan to set up Vulnerable Persons Units in the districts. The Major Crime Investigation Unit has been following up on three murder cases that have happened in the last three months, identifying witnesses and locating suspects.

The Police advise that you should avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Contact the police if you see anything suspicious or any kind of problems, and avoid remaining near any disturbances. Call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This has been a daily broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste, for the people of Timor-Leste.