Dili – As a consequence of continuing clashes between pro-independence and pro-integration groups, the Dili-based Suara Timor Timur has again been forced to cease publication.

The decision was taken following a threat from the Red and White Steel pro-TNI militia, led by Manuel de Sousa, who is a member of the Liquica local assembly representing the PDI group. The paper was previously forced to cease publication when its editorial office was attacked and severely damaged [on 17 April] by the Halilintar militia which is led by Joao Tavares, former district head of Bobonaro. Back in 1975, Tavares was the man who guided the troops under the command of Yunus Yosfiah when they killed the five TV journalists in Balibo. The Halilintar militia destroyed all the newspaper's computers and threatened to kill several of its journalists.

STT resumed publication on 5 May but less than a week later, it decided to cease publication again because pro-integration militias threatened to attack its premises again if it did not stop appearing.

The police told the paper that they were unable to guarantee the newspaper's safety and asked all its staff and journalists to leave the premises. The paper's proprietors decided, under the circumstances, to cease publication and to give its staff indefinite leave.