Baukau clash caused by misunderstanding: Baukau police commander

Monument in Baukau, scene of recent unrest in East Timor

East Timor Legal News Source: Televizaun Timor-Leste September 1, 2011 language source: Tetun - The recent incident which left local resident Mrs Odete Varela assaulted was caused by misunderstanding between the police and community members at that time, Baukau Police Commander, Faustinho da Costa said. 

He explained that on August 22 there was a joint training by Baucau police and the Timorese Defence Force (F-FDTL) to intervene and stop the activities which were held by martial art clubs. However, the martial arts trainers who were conducting training did not decision.

The police went to talk with the trainers, but the community members thought the police intended to assault their loved ones; therefore the community members started stoning the police officers, he said.

Da Costa also said he was very concerned because some of the off duty police officers joined with the community members attacking the police. :