The Wire

East Timor has found itself in a state of havoc yet again. In an attempt to capture Major Alfredo Reinado, the Australian army ended up killing four of his supporters, leaving the rebel leader to escape. Since then, Reinado’s supporters have rioted in the streets of Dili. Many people have evacuated there homes to safer parts of the city. This disruption and violence comes before the presidential election, which will take place next month. Meanwhile, Anti-Australian sentiment seems to be growing. According to Deakin University professor, Damien Kingsbury, an East Timor researcher, the continuing conflicts are rooted in a problem with law and order. Jose Belo, an East Timorese journalist says that since these events, supporters have rioted in the Western parts of Dili; burning tyres, throwing stones and firing their guns.