Manek et al. fr

Country of proceedings: East Timor (District Court of Dili)
Context of crimes: East Timor
Date: 2003
Keywords: Crimes against humanity (murder, extermination, forced disappearance, torture, inhumane acts, rape, deportation, persecution)

Case No.: 09/2003

Court Documents
28-02-2003 - Indictment

Presentation of the case
In Manek et al., also known as the Laksaur militia case, 14 members of the Laksaur militia were charged with 51 counts of crimes against humanity. In 1999, a widespread and systematic attack was perpetrated against the civilian population of East Timor by more than twenty-five militia groups, the Indonesian security authorities (TNI) and the Indonesian police force (POLRI). Violence was waged largely against the pro-independence population following the decision by Indonesia to allow East Timor to choose between autonomy within the Republic of Indonesia, or independence.

The charges in the Indictment include multiple charges of murder, rape and torture. The accused are alleged to have committed several massacres, including the Suai Church Massacre in which an estimated 200 civilians were killed.

The case never came to trial in East Timor owing to the continued absence of the accused from the country. The accused are allegedly living freely in Indonesian West Timor.

Related Cases
Sedyono et al. (Suai Church Massacre)
Pros. v. Miguel da Silva (Laksaur militias)
Gusmao, Joanico (Laksaur militias)

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