34 people accused of being involved in the demonstration in Dili during the visit last month of Jamsheed Marker, the UN special envoy, are to go on trial very soon, according to a report in today's Kompas 7/IV., quoting Dili police chief, Lr ColBeno Kalipong. They will be charged with physical assault against members of the security forces.

'Their interrogation reports are being completed and will next week be handed to the public prosecutor in Dili. They are deemed to have been involved in criminal actions, under Article 154, and are not being charged with subversion.' [maximum penalty, seven years]

Of the 48 originally arrested (according to the police), 14 have been released, one of whom is still under treatment in hospital.

Meanwhile, head of the Dili Election Supervision Committee said that firm measures will be taken against anyone trying to disrupt the elections which will take place next month. The Committee will work in close cooperation with the security forces to safeguard the elections, he said.

He said it was obvious that the conditions in East Timor were such as to provide certain irresponsible elements with the opportunity to use the elections to undermine stability and the elections by inciting the younger generation to create disturbances. The security forces would therefore be anticipating such actions at the district and sub-district levels.