RESOLUTION B3-1044/92

Resolution on the imprisonment of young Timorese

The European Parliament,

having regard to the public hearing on respect for human rights in East Timor held at the European Parliament on 23 April 1992,

having regard to the life sentence passed on Gregório Saldanha da Cruz and the prison sentences of 5 and 6 years passed on 3 other young Timorese, Juvêncio de Jesus Martins, Felissimo Pereira and Jacob da Silva, who were accused by the Indonesian authorities of taking part in the demonstration at the Santa Cruz cemetery which led to the massacre of 12 November 1991 and whereas judgement is pending on 4 others,

whereas 5 other Timorese, including Fernando Araújo whom Amnesty International regards as a prisoner of conscience, have been sentenced in Djakarta to between 6 months and 10 years in prison for protesting against that massacre,

whereas the Indonesian troops prosecuted to trial for their part in putting down the demonstration of 16 November 1991 have been sentenced to between 8 and 20 months in prison,

having regard to its previous resolutions on East Timor,

Condemns the violations of human rights in East Timor and Indonesia where young Timorese continue to be tried and sentenced for crimes of conscience;

Calls for the immediate release of all Timorese already convicted or on trial whose only crime has been to demand respect for human rights and the establishment of democracy; condemns any attempt by the Indonesian authorities to equate peaceful demonstrations with armed resistance;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, EPC and the Indonesian Government.