Victims in East Timor seek justice

Decision to free former militia leader causes backlash.

east timor tony birtley pkg

East Timor’s decision to free a former Indonesian militia leader has created a backlash against the government.

Maternus Bere, a Timorese-born Indonesian citizen accused of crimes against humanity, was indicted by the UN for his role in the atrocities of 1999 that preceded the country’s independence.

East Timor’s supreme court is investigating whether his release was illegal and the decision could determine whether a tribunal is set up to try others accused of similar crimes.

Al Jazeera’s Tony Birtley reports from Dili, the capital of East Timor, where victims’ families and survivors feel that justice has yet to prevail in one of the world’s youngest nations.

Source: Al Jazeera