By Pei Hu
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia
DILI, East Timor – East Timor President, Jose Ramos Horta, has faced criticism by his own citizens as well as the international community regarding the lenient treatment of Indonesian funded militia members incarcerated in East Timor. The militia members were accused of committing human rights abuses. Horta and Indonesian leaders met for the joint Truth and Friendship Commission, where both countries attempted to bring the perpetrators of the 1999 violence to justice. Horta told reporters that the Truth and Friendship Commission is enough to bring justice. However, the Indonesian special court acquitted most of the 18 indicted suspects.
Before East Timor achieved its independence from Indonesia in 1999 by referendum, about 1,500 people were brutally murdered, tortured, and raped by pro-Indonesian militia. Nine years ago, the Indonesian government denied its involvement and has often said these acts of violence were sporadic actions of the pro-independence militia. However, BBC reporters have reported that Indonesian government assisted the militia. The militia was loyal to Indonesia and used violent means to discourage a vote for independence.
Taking into consideration the close ties with its neighbor Indonesia, Horta issued a Presidential pardon to release some militia members involved in the East Timor conflict and decided not to establish a Human Rights Tribunal in East Timor. Horta encourages his citizens to forgive rather than to pursue justice through trials.
Joni Marques, the leader of the pro-Indonesian militia, Tim Alpha, was pardoned in July after being incarcerated 33 years. This move has been widely criticized by Timorese citizens and the international community. “Clearly, it’s not a good message with regard to impunity and accountability for serious crimes,” said Louis Gentile, the representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
In addition, Horta has been criticized by Western members of the UN for not actively pursuing a Human Rights Tribunal. In response, Horta criticized the UN of “hypocrisy” because he does not believe that the Western nations would fund such a tribunal. Horta believes in a pragmatic need for good relations with its neighbor Indonesia.
For more information, please see:
BBC – Indonesia funded ‘E Timor abuse’ – 10 July 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7499620.stm
BBC – Justice and compassion in East Timor – 4 July 08
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7489265.stm
BBC – Ramos Horta slams UN ‘hypocrisy’ – 15 September 08
