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East Timor ministers condemn gang violence

Source
ABC News - August 19, 2011

Sara Everingham – East Timor's Council of Ministers has condemned recent violence in the country's south-west that left more than 100 families homeless.

A police officer was killed and the government said 79 houses were burnt or destroyed in the violence last Sunday in Kovalima district. The clashes involved members of martial arts groups, local media reported.

East Timor's Council of Ministers said those responsible must be brought to justice. "The government expressed serious concern about the incident and crimes and urge for due punishment to take place without delay," spokesman Agio Pereira said.

He said an investigation will examine to what extent martial arts groups were involved in the violence.

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