25 June 2012

Timor / Elections: Two people held for stoning FRETILIN supporters

24/06/2012 Lusa The Timorese police today arrested two persons in Baucau, east of Dili, for stoning supporters of the Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor (FRETILIN) at the end of a rally for the parliamentary elections on July 7.

"The PNTL arrested two individuals undergoing investigation following the incident," said the police source to Lusa.

The same source also told Lusa that since the beginning of the election campaign since 5th last only about six minor incidents were recorded, some of which related to the destruction of election campaign material.

Contacted by telephone by Lusa, Harold Moucho, political adviser to the president of FRETILIN, said two cars were stoned and a supporter was injured, but not seriously with a machete wound, and is receiving hospital treatment.

"At the gas station, a car that was ahead of the party president Lu Olo and Secretary General Mari Alkatiri's convoy was stoned," said Harold Moucho.

Then, according to the advisor, a bus carrying FRETILIN members was stoned, and a member attacked who "was injured by a machete wound."

Asked by Lusa that the two detainees were supporters of a party, Harold Moucho explained that it is a "group known to cause disturbances in Baucau".

"It is the first incident that we have in the election campaign. We again appeal to our members and supporters not to get involved in trouble," he said.

The campaign ends on July 4.

21 parties and coalitions are contesting the country's third legislative elections.

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