Jakarta – A peaceful demonstration by East Timorese refugees to commemorate the first anniversary of East Timor's secession from Indonesia turned brutal yesterday, when they attacked East Nusa Tenggara's provincial legislative building.

The angry refugees destroyed the building's facade and back gates, and smashed its glass windows as legislators were convening. The parliamentarians later fled the attacked building to avoid violence against them. At least three cars belonging to legislators were destroyed in the incident.

Antara reported from Kupang, West Timor, that the demonstrators also beat journalist, James Ratu, who works for the East Nusa Tenggara Express and confiscated a camera from Andro, Ratu's colleague. Both Ratu and Andro sustained wounds after they were beaten by demonstrators. The demonstrators also beat journalist, Jamris Fortuna, of the Suara Timor daily and legislator, Yoseph Yoris.

The flare-up was brought under control after pro-Jakarta militia leader Eurico Guterres and other pro-integration fighters arrived at the site. "We came here to hold a peaceful rally, to seek sympathy from the country but not in such a violent way," shouted Mario Vieira, spokesman for Uni Timor Aswain (UNTAS).

Guterres said the peaceful rally turned violent after one of the legislators accused the pro-integrationists of disturbing the peace. "We are not responsible for the attack on the legislative building. The blame must be put on former president B.J. Habibie, who offered an independence option which has led us to take refuge for one year now," he said.

The demonstrators later burned a picture of Habibie in front of East Nusa Tenggara (West Timor) Governor Piet Tallo, and local police chief, Brig. Gen. John Lalo.

Demonstrators hailed from various refugee camps in Atambua, Kefamenanu, Soe and Kupang, capital of East Nusa Tenggara province where pro-Jakarta have often blamed for violence and intimidation against the last 130 refugees.

Dozens of motorcycles and cars formed a convoy which traveled through the city's main roads and on to the legislative building. The demonstrators led by Guterres dispersed after conveying their demands to the legislators. Yesterday was the first anniversary of East Timor's vote for independence from Indonesia.