UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 22 January 2007

On Friday, 19 January 2007, during morning two rock fights erupted in Beto Timur and Hudilaran. Police units and FPU responded and managed to restore order in the area.

In the afternoon, rock fights involving approximately 50 persons also erupted near the vicinity of Comoro Bridge. Police units and FPU responded once again and a total of 16 persons were arrested for offences including rock throwing, criminal damage, possession of offensive weapons and riotous behaviour. The fight is believed to be gang related.

In the night, rock fighting also erupted in Fatuhada and ADF handed over to the police one person who was arrested for rock throwing, riotous behaviour and affray.

On Saturday, 20 January 2007, in the early morning of 20 January 2007, rock throwing involving about 30 people had occurred in Bairro Pite. The suspects fled upon arrival of UNPol.

Later in the morning, rock fights erupted at Beto Timur. The offenders who are believed to be members from a Martial Arts gang had also stoned passing vehicles. UNPol and FPU responded and arrested five subjects. Investigation is in progress. Later in the evening, fighting involving about 15 to 20 persons occurred at Ailok Laran. FPU responded and deployed teargas to restore order in that area.

On Sunday, 21 January 2007, at around 10:00 am, a murder occurred at Bairro Pite - Dili.

The victim, a Timorese male, was one of two pillion passengers on a motorcycle driving through Perumnas, Bairo Pite. Stones were thrown by members of a group of troublemakers and the deceased fell from the motorcycle and whilst on the ground he was hit on the head and body with large rocks and machetes.

On Sunday, 21 January 2007, at around 11:00 am, a fight took place at Ailoklaran – Dili, between members of two groups allegedly connected with Martial arts and a Timorese male was killed because he was slash with a machete in the neck and also stabbed in the stomach.

Others four Timorese males were injured during the fighting and treated at Dili National Hospital for machete and stab wounds. UNPOL investigation is on-going.