Jakarta – Four members of the House of Representatives Commission I yesterday paid a visit to former pro-Jakarta militia chief Eurico Guterres, who is being detained at police headquarters in South Jakarta.

House Commission I Chairman Yasril Ananta Baharuddin said the visit was a show of support and sympathy to Guterres. We also want to back up police to resolve this case, said Yasril, who was accompanied by Asnawi Latief, Astrid Susanto and Paulus.

He said Commission I wants police to consider the courage and psychological determination of Guterres to defend East Timor as part of Indonesia. Not every person has that sort of readiness to maintain the red-and-white [national flag] like Guterres did.

Yasril said he visited Guterres in his capacity as an Indonesian citizen. This is not aimed at forcing police to release Guterres. We dont want to interfere in the investigation process being conducted by police, he added.

Guterres was arrested last week on charge of inciting his followers to take their weapons back from a local police office in West Timor. He is charged with violting Article 160 of the Criminal Code for provocation.