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Case IDN / TMP 120598.1 Follow-up of Case 120598

The International Secretariat has received new information regarding the arrest and detention of 8 East Timorese men in East Timor.

Brief reminder of the situation:

On May 12th, 1998, the International Secretariat was informed by the East Timor Human Rights Centre (ETHRC), member of the OMCT network, of the alleged arbitrary arrest and detention of 8 East Timorese men, on April 2nd, 1998, by members of the Indonesian military. Four of the eight men were identified as Mr. Marcal Amaral Magno Guterres (27), Mr. Basilio Mendonca Manuel (26), Sarmento and Mr. Antonio Freitas (see Appeal IDN / TMP 120598).

New information:

The International Secretariat has just been informed by the ETHRC that four of the eight men, who had been arrested on April 2nd, 1998, have been identified and confirmed as: Mr. Elias de Araujo, Mr. Joao dos Santos, Mr. Bernardo dos Santos and Mr. Alfredo Amaral.

Furthermore, according to the same information, it has been confirmed that six of them, Mr. Marcal Amaral Magno Guterres, Mr. Basilio Mendonca, Mr. Elias de Araujo, Mr. Joao dos Santos, Mr. Bernardo dos Santos and Mr. Alfredo Amaral, were released on June 13th, 1998 and that they were subject to torture during their interrogation at POLRES headquarters

However, it has not been possible to confirm the release of Mr. Manuel Sarmento and Mr. Antonio Freitas.

Remarks:

The International Secretariat congratulates itself for the release of the detainees aforementioned and thanks all those organisations and individuals who intervened on their behalf.

However, the Secretariat remains concerned by the situation of Mr. Manuel Sarmento and Mr. Antonio Freitas, especially considering the allegations of torture perpetrated against at least six of the eight men detained.

Therefore, the International Secretariat would appreciate your urgent intervention to ensure that the Indonesian authorities :

i.- order the immediate release of Mr. Manuel Sarmento and Mr. Antonio Freitas if they are in detention without valid charges;

ii.- put an end to all practices of torture and ill treatment and order a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations of torture perpetrated against the detainees, in order to identify those responsible, bring them to trial and apply penal, civil and/or administrative sanctions as provided by law;

iii.- ensure the respect of human rights and all fundamental freedoms in conformity with national legislation and international standards;

Addresses:

PRESIDENT YUSUF HABIBIE, President of the Republic of Indonesia, Istana Negara, Gedung Binagraha Jl. Veteran, Jakarta Pusat, INDONESIA, Fax: +62 21 345 7782.

MINISTER OF JUSTICE Prof. Dr. Muladi, S.H. Menteri Kehakiman, JI. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 6-7, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia. Fax : + 62 21 525 3095

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, Ali Alatas S.H. Menteri Luar Negeri, Jl Medan Taman Pejambon No. 6 Jakarta, Imdonesia, Fax +62 21 380 5511/360 517/345 7782/360 541

CHIEF OF NATIONAL POLICE Maj. Gen. (Pol.) Banurusman Atmosumitro, Kapolri, Markas Besar Kepolisian RI, JI. Trunojoyo 13, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia. Telegrams : National Police Chief, Jakarta, Indonesia

MILITARY COMMANDER REGION IX/UDAYANA(includes East Timor) General.Adam Damiri, Pangdam IX/Udayana, Markas Besar KODAM IX/Udayana, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. Telegram : Pangdam IX/Udayana, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.

SECRETARY GENERAL, NATIONAL COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Prof. Dr. Baharuddin Lopa, Sekretaris Jenderal, Komisi Nasional Hak Azasi Manusia (Komnas HAM), JI Latuharhary No.4B,Menteng Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia. Phone/Fax: +62 21 392 5227-Email: info@kommas.go.id

The Embassy of Indonesia in your respective countries.

Geneva - 15 July 1998

Kindly inform us of all action undertaken by quoting the code of this appeal in your reply.

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