Venidora Oliveira – NGO Belun's Early Attention and Response Program identified 17 members of the national police force PNTL and of the national defence forces F-FDTL involved in crimes.

The Director of the NGO Luis Ximenes said the 17 elements were identified from January to April 2014 and includes 10 members of the PNTL and 7 from the F-FDTL.

"These elements were involved in physical violent crime, such as beatings, punching and threats to others," said Director Ximenes. He added the crimes took place mainly in the capital Dili. "The complaints came from the community in Dili in larger numbers."

The reports and complaints were compiled and submitted to the Secretariat of State for Security and to the Secretariat of State for Defence so measures can be put in place.

President of the Republic, Taur Matan Ruak, also the Supreme Commander of the PNTL and the F-FDTL acknowledged the issue of elements of the PNTL and F-FDTL involved in crimes.

"The president will register theses cases and the president will ask the command of PNTL and F-FDTL to seek more information and find solutions to these challenges," said President Taur Matan Ruak.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/capital/12548-pntl-and-f-fdtl-elements-in-trouble-with-the-law