Nearly 60 Escape From East Timor Jail
Mary K. Brunskill - All Headline News Staff Writer East Timor (AHN) - At least 57 inmates escaped from an East Timor jail in the capital of Dili Wednesday. The inmates escaped the Becora Penitentiary after breaking down several walls in the east wing, said an official at the jail, who blames the escape on a shortage of guards. Carlos Sarmento says many guards had not returned to work since at least 30 died in Dili three months ago due to violence spurred by opposition to the country's break from Indonesian rule. The AP reports Sarmento said, "We don't have enough staff." Escapees included several pro-Indonesia militiamen arrested for possession of weapons and Maj. Alfredo Reinado, a former military police chief who was accused of being the leader of a group of rebel soldiers in the May violence. Also among those who escaped were several pro-Indonesia militiamen who were sentenced in connection with 1999 riots that resulted in nearly 1,500 deaths. Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta convened a meeting to discuss the situation. Justice Minister Domingos Sarmento refused to comment.
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