UN POLICE ARREST NEARLY THREE DOZEN IN TIMOR-LESTE

UN POLICE ARREST NEARLY THREE DOZEN IN TIMOR-LESTE
New York, Aug 12 2007 11:00AM
United Nations police in Timor-Leste have arrested nearly three dozen people suspected of involvement in violence in the country, which has been rocked by disturbances in recent days following the announcement of a new Government.

In Baucau, 21 people have been arrested and charged with creating a public disturbance including blocking roads, throwing stones and burning tires, according to Allison Cooper, a spokesperson for the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). A further two people have been arrested and charged with making home-made weapons.

In Quelicai, nine people have been arrested for carrying illegal weapons in relation to their alleged role in the attack on a UN convoy on Friday, she said, while a further two people have been arrested for alleged arson in Quelicai for the burning of houses.

All 34 cases are with the Office of the Prosecutor for Timor-Leste.

"Further police investigations are continuing into violence in Timor-Leste that's occurred since Monday," Ms. Cooper said.

On 6 August it was announced, after elections failed to produce an outright winner, that former president Xanana Gusmão would lead the new Government of Timor-Leste, which the UN helped shepherd to independence in 2002.

2007-08-12 00:00:00.000

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