Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Activism and double standards
The ammount of protest against Australian army attack on the disgraced renegade soldier and his men is incredible to say the least. Alfredo Reinado and his men were armed to the teeth with the latest assault riffles and holed up in a strategically positioned location in Same, awaiting possible military assault against them. They were ready and they knew what they were coming up against. And the subsequent military assault against them resulted in the death of five of Alfredo's men while wounding many others. There are also reported damage and losses to possessions owned by the local villagers affected by the Australian operations.
Numerous activists and academics poured their grief and anger towards this operation arguing that the use of force was not necessary against Reinado. That there should be negotiations instead of the use of lethal force. For instance, this latest one by East Timor Law Journal is urging people to sign a petition to the Australian Parliament to limit the use of lethal force in Timor-Leste. The online petition is available here. Rob Wesley-Smith, the self styled spokesman of a defunct group called AFET posted a sympathetic letter in favour of Alfredo Reinado, supposedly sent to him by a filmmaker. Alfredo Reinado, an army officer who fraternized with a lower ranking female officer and gave her a child while both were doing a military course in Canberra in 2005. The same Alfredo Reinado, married with children and wanted for murdering his fellow soldier. Alfredo Reinado whose action plunged the country into a deep crisis that almost tore the country apart. Yes. This Alfredo Reinado.
This never before heard outcry agaist Australian forces in Timor-Leste came immediately after the raid on Reinado's hideout in Same. Why? This is not the first time that the Australian forces have acted in this way. Just a few days earlier, Australian soldiers om fact killed two IDPs at the IDP camp in Nicolau Lobato airport, and severely wounded another one. These IDPs were unarmed and defenceless on top of having to live in a squalid condition. They were not armed, not least with the latest assault riffles as Reinado and his men did. Yet, Australians soldiers responded to a supposed minor disturbance with such lethal force, killing one on the spot. But there were not an outcry from these activists!!! Why? Speaking about the use of lethal force, Australian soldiers and Australian police constantly harrass the IDPs and anyone suspected of being an easterner or a Fretilin supporter. IDP camps come under tear gas attacks on a regular basis. IDP tents are constantly searched and destroyed. Youths inside the IDPs are regularly searched and arrested for no particular reason. Often the IDPs are blamed for any attacks from outsiders. These are clear violations to the rights and dignity of the East Timorese, something anyone in the free world does not tolerate. But no one raised a voice of concern in defence of these IDPs. Some even condemned these IDPs, blaming them for the trouble that they're in. Others accuse them of causing troubles to benefit a group (Fretilin) or individuals. But no one raises a voice.
Why they cried foul when the Australian military attacked a group of armed rebels with their fugitive leader while they stayed silent when Australian military attacked and killed unarmed civilian? Whose rights are they defending? A bunch of trigger happy cowboys armed to the teeth and holding the country hostage? Shame!!!
Numerous activists and academics poured their grief and anger towards this operation arguing that the use of force was not necessary against Reinado. That there should be negotiations instead of the use of lethal force. For instance, this latest one by East Timor Law Journal is urging people to sign a petition to the Australian Parliament to limit the use of lethal force in Timor-Leste. The online petition is available here. Rob Wesley-Smith, the self styled spokesman of a defunct group called AFET posted a sympathetic letter in favour of Alfredo Reinado, supposedly sent to him by a filmmaker. Alfredo Reinado, an army officer who fraternized with a lower ranking female officer and gave her a child while both were doing a military course in Canberra in 2005. The same Alfredo Reinado, married with children and wanted for murdering his fellow soldier. Alfredo Reinado whose action plunged the country into a deep crisis that almost tore the country apart. Yes. This Alfredo Reinado.
This never before heard outcry agaist Australian forces in Timor-Leste came immediately after the raid on Reinado's hideout in Same. Why? This is not the first time that the Australian forces have acted in this way. Just a few days earlier, Australian soldiers om fact killed two IDPs at the IDP camp in Nicolau Lobato airport, and severely wounded another one. These IDPs were unarmed and defenceless on top of having to live in a squalid condition. They were not armed, not least with the latest assault riffles as Reinado and his men did. Yet, Australians soldiers responded to a supposed minor disturbance with such lethal force, killing one on the spot. But there were not an outcry from these activists!!! Why? Speaking about the use of lethal force, Australian soldiers and Australian police constantly harrass the IDPs and anyone suspected of being an easterner or a Fretilin supporter. IDP camps come under tear gas attacks on a regular basis. IDP tents are constantly searched and destroyed. Youths inside the IDPs are regularly searched and arrested for no particular reason. Often the IDPs are blamed for any attacks from outsiders. These are clear violations to the rights and dignity of the East Timorese, something anyone in the free world does not tolerate. But no one raised a voice of concern in defence of these IDPs. Some even condemned these IDPs, blaming them for the trouble that they're in. Others accuse them of causing troubles to benefit a group (Fretilin) or individuals. But no one raises a voice.
Why they cried foul when the Australian military attacked a group of armed rebels with their fugitive leader while they stayed silent when Australian military attacked and killed unarmed civilian? Whose rights are they defending? A bunch of trigger happy cowboys armed to the teeth and holding the country hostage? Shame!!!
Comments:
<< Home
I've had "unarmed" timorese boys fire ramor ambons straight through my car door. I consider that a lethal weapon.
# posted by 
: 12:08 AM
: 12:08 AM
That's what you are paid for. You are not there as an unpaid volunteer and you have a choice of staying or leaving. The East Timorese don't have this luxury.
# posted by : 4:41 AM
: 4:41 AM
I lamented the fact that the Australian troops has immunity, and that the 'killing' of two IDPs will only be investigated if the Australian government permit the investigation. So, the two will die just like that, there will never be any justice!
Meanwhile, Timorese should also stop using rama ambon to fire at people. Any act of firing rama ambon will be considered as attacking, and the Aus soldiers will use that as an excuse to kill people.
Also, people should not blame the Australian to have been act partially, at some point it is difficult to react on the ground. If Australian are pro Westerners, they would never attack Alfredo and his men. Please let alone them to do their job, what we need is them to act professionally to end the violence in the country.
Geta Lolo.
Meanwhile, Timorese should also stop using rama ambon to fire at people. Any act of firing rama ambon will be considered as attacking, and the Aus soldiers will use that as an excuse to kill people.
Also, people should not blame the Australian to have been act partially, at some point it is difficult to react on the ground. If Australian are pro Westerners, they would never attack Alfredo and his men. Please let alone them to do their job, what we need is them to act professionally to end the violence in the country.
Geta Lolo.
# posted by : 9:28 AM
: 9:28 AM
I don't know whether there is a Timorese cultural equivalent, but in the European part of Australian cultural heritage, we have a saying from Shakespeare: "The lady doth protest too much, methinks". One meaning of this: when someone is shouting accusations and blaming everyone but themselves, they are probably trying to hide some of their own mistakes and shortcomings. Sadly, this is my immediate reaction when I read the articles on "Republika Banana".
I know the Blogsphere is a place where civil courtesies and careful attention to truth and logic are generally suspended. But it doesn't have to be this way.
As an Aussie with a 30+ year connection to Timor's struggle for independence, I feel very passionate about what's happening in Timor today. I hope that a way can be found out of the mess that prevails. I know the creator of this Blog also feels passionate about Timor, but I do find myself wondering whether he/she/they is/are more committed to fanning the flames of blame and division than looking for a reasoned, negotiated way out of the chaos.
So who is being blamed this time? Some Australian activists for opposing the use of lethal force by Australian troops against Reinado and Australian forces for using lethal force against armed Timorese in IDP camps. Who is guilty of double standards here?
Fretilin supporters can't have it both ways. They have been very happy to complain in the past about Australians NOT using force against looters and burners in Dili; they should not now complain about that same use of force against armed "easterners" in IDP camps.
It looks to me as though they are very happy to sit back and accept the stabilizing role of the Australian forces (including the Reinado mission) and at the same time blame them for deaths and damage that results. Again, everyone else, except the pure and righteous Fretilin, is responsible for things that go wrong.
Perhaps I am wrong (I hope I am) - but that is my over-riding impression from the articles here. If this does represent the dominant view within the Fretilin membership, then I am afraid things are not going to get better.
I will start relaxing when I see Fretilin start making reconciliatory moves towards its real and imagined enemies. It has the strength and ability to do this. It is especially important if it's opponents are not so wise or able (as many are not). Sadly, all we seem to be seeing is a continuing flow of self-righteous blaming of everyone else except themselves. Methinks they doth protest too much.
I know the Blogsphere is a place where civil courtesies and careful attention to truth and logic are generally suspended. But it doesn't have to be this way.
As an Aussie with a 30+ year connection to Timor's struggle for independence, I feel very passionate about what's happening in Timor today. I hope that a way can be found out of the mess that prevails. I know the creator of this Blog also feels passionate about Timor, but I do find myself wondering whether he/she/they is/are more committed to fanning the flames of blame and division than looking for a reasoned, negotiated way out of the chaos.
So who is being blamed this time? Some Australian activists for opposing the use of lethal force by Australian troops against Reinado and Australian forces for using lethal force against armed Timorese in IDP camps. Who is guilty of double standards here?
Fretilin supporters can't have it both ways. They have been very happy to complain in the past about Australians NOT using force against looters and burners in Dili; they should not now complain about that same use of force against armed "easterners" in IDP camps.
It looks to me as though they are very happy to sit back and accept the stabilizing role of the Australian forces (including the Reinado mission) and at the same time blame them for deaths and damage that results. Again, everyone else, except the pure and righteous Fretilin, is responsible for things that go wrong.
Perhaps I am wrong (I hope I am) - but that is my over-riding impression from the articles here. If this does represent the dominant view within the Fretilin membership, then I am afraid things are not going to get better.
I will start relaxing when I see Fretilin start making reconciliatory moves towards its real and imagined enemies. It has the strength and ability to do this. It is especially important if it's opponents are not so wise or able (as many are not). Sadly, all we seem to be seeing is a continuing flow of self-righteous blaming of everyone else except themselves. Methinks they doth protest too much.
# posted by : 12:12 PM
: 12:12 PM
I am the first anonymous poster. If the 2nd poster is addressing me, I am NOT paid to be here. I pay to be here. I run a business that employees 11 Timorese and supports their families. I shouldn't have to be subject to lethal weapons when going about my lawful business. I pay my taxes here and nowhere else. I am a Timorese resident.
fat old sod, I dont think any one deserves to be the target of violence. As a Timor resident you would understand that most Timorese do go about their own business, trying to support their families. Lets hope this crisis ends soon.
# posted by : 8:47 PM
: 8:47 PM
That is a high casualty for sas.If 5 SAS soldiers were killed youd know about it,
# posted by : 8:48 PM
: 8:48 PM
.....if a country could export rumours, then perhaps GDP in Timor Leste would skyrocket. Republika Banana could become the e-bay of the Timor rumour trade. - Mingel Suni
# posted by : 12:43 PM
: 12:43 PM
Mingel Suni...Youre right about the rumours. The best salesman of rumours would be Fernando Lasama, during the crisis he sold so much sh!t that he would have more money than Timors Petroleum fund.
# posted by : 4:43 PM
: 4:43 PM
Identify yourself anonymous. Are you connected to Republika Banana. If so, then once again this site and your party are claiming impunity from all the rumour mongering that is fanning the flames in timor at the moment. Your arrogance in blaiming everyone else and not accepting ANY responsibility for the current crisis is just so....Suharto.
Mingel Suni
Mingel Suni
# posted by : 8:55 PM
: 8:55 PM
Fernando Lasamean and his wife, that Phillipina slut Jaqlin Siapno, they are responsible for the rumour mongering. They and their friends in Australia planted these rumours and the seeds of hate long begore the crisis broke up. They are so...suharto.
# posted by : 9:46 PM
: 9:46 PM
Fernando Lasamean and Joao Boa Vida were in Melbourne, Australia recently and guess where they stayed? At Crown Casino with 5 STAR treatment. They dined with some Chinese businessmen at Crawn Casino, hmm..... I wonder how much of Timor these two crooks have promissed away???
# posted by : 9:55 PM
: 9:55 PM
Thought Mingel Suni's suggestion that "..if a country could export rumours, then perhaps GDP in Timor Leste would skyrocket..." was both accurate and genuinely funny.
The rest of his post and the exchanges that followed reminded me pretty much of rock throwers in Dili. I can't see such stuff helping Timor-Leste one bit. You are all capable of much better than this.
Aussie Timorphile.
Post a Comment
The rest of his post and the exchanges that followed reminded me pretty much of rock throwers in Dili. I can't see such stuff helping Timor-Leste one bit. You are all capable of much better than this.
Aussie Timorphile.
# posted by : 12:03 PM
: 12:03 PM<< Home
