The Wire

In 2005 the Commission of Truth and Friendship was established by the Indonesian and East Timorese governments, to investigate the appalling violence surrounding the 1999 independence referendum. But it now appears that the people responsible for mass murder may get off scot-free. Soon after East Timor voted for independence, Indonesian backed militia groups went on a rampage – 1400 people were killed and more than 300 thousand fled to West Timor. This week three dozen non government groups have written to both countries leaders calling on them to abandon the commission process. They say the commission will not provide justice for the families of those who perished.