The East Timor Human Rights Centre (ETHRC) holds grave fears for the safety of four East Timorese men who were arrested on 30 March 1997 in the sub-district of Atabae, Bobonaro, by members of the SGI (Special Intelligence Unit) and Kopassus (Special Forces Command). According ETHRC sources, Felisberto Maria dos Santos, Domingos Laranjeira, Jose Sobral and Marcelino Fatima dos Santos, were traveling on motorbikes when they were stopped at a military checkpoint at Atabae and arrested. Although there has been no official reason given for their arrests, it is believed that Felisberto Maria dos Santos was arrested on suspicion of being a member of the East Timorese Armed Resistance. The other three are believed to have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the clandestine resistance movement in East Timor. According to the most recent information from East Timor, all four men are being held in military custody by the SGI (Special Intelligence Unit) in Dili, however, their whereabouts is still unconfirmed.
The East Timor Human Rights Centre is concerned for the safety of the four detainees as they are believed to be at heightened risk of torture an ill-treatment while their whereabouts is still unconfirmed. Prisoners in East Timor are routinely subjected to torture and ill-treatment while in military or police custody, especially if they are denied access to members of their families and independent legal representation.
Biographical details:
- Felisberto Maria dos Santos, aged 44, originally from Lauhata in Liquica, current address not known;
- Domingos Laranjeira, aged 36, from Becora, Dili;
- Jose Sobral, aged 40, from Ailok Laran - Bairro Pite, Dili;
- Marcelino Fatima dos Santos, aged 29, from Lauhata, Liquica.