East Timorese youth follow the example of Indonesia and Nepal For three straight days, starting on 15 September, mass protests rocked Timor-Leste. It started as a protest against the government’s plan to procure luxury cars for members of parliament, but quickly became an expression of a general anger toward the whole political system. These were the largest mass protests in years. The regime, horrified by these protests – and what had happened in Indonesia and Nepal – was quick to make concessions.
One year after the independence referendum: Which way for East Timor? "It looks more like a capitalist hell". Jean Duval is analyzing the situation in East Timor one year after the independence referendum.
East Timor: Can we trust the United Nations? Early this morning, the United Nations force, Interfet, landed in East Timor. Reports indicate that revenge killings are going on until the last minute against pro-independence Timorese. There are reports that in just one day, 18th September, some 150 to 200 people were killed. The militias and the army are waging a "scorched earth" policy in their preparations to leave the country.
Referendum in East Timor - Massive vote against Indonesian occupation challenged by militias and military The overwhelming majority of the Timorese population voted in a UN sponsored referendum to end the 25 year long Indonesian military occupation. They rejected the proposal of " autonomy ". This occupation, backed by US imperialism, which started just after the Portuguese revolution was probably one of the most brutal in recent history.
