| Subject: ABC: East Timor unrest delays
Balibo Five inquest
ABC Last Update: Thursday, June 8, 2006. 11:00am (AEST) East Timor unrest delays Balibo Five inquest The current instability in East Timor will delay an inquest into the death of one of the Balibo Five journalists over 30 years ago. Brian Peters was one of five Australian newsmen who was killed at Balibo in East Timor in 1975, as Indonesian forces began their invasion of the country. Mr Peters' family asked for the New South Wales Coroner's Court to hold an inquest into his death, and a hearing had been scheduled for July. But a police officer involved in the investigation, Detective Sergeant Steven Thomas has today told the Glebe Coroner's Court that the current instability in East Timor has forced the closure of all government departments. Meaning key witnesses cannot apply for passports to come and give evidence at the inquest. Coroner John Abernathy has adjourned the matter until July, when a new hearing date may be set. Back to June menu |