Media Room: Media Releases

DEFENCE REJECTS UNFOUNDED TIMOR ALLEGATIONS

Defence rejects allegations reported by Rory Callinan in the online version of Time Australia magazine, relating to an incident in the village of Same (Timor Leste) on 4 March 2007. 

The allegations are made by Alfredo Reinado, who is a fugitive from the Timorese criminal justice system and who has threatened the safety of Australian troops. 

Defence spokesman, Brigadier Andrew Nikolić said Renaido’s allegations do not accurately reflect the events of 4 March 2007.

Brigadier Nikolić said the ADF has conducted a post operation investigation and it is clear that Australian personnel acted to defend themselves when shot at by armed members of Reinado’s group.

“In the early hours of 4 March 2007 during a confrontation with armed supporters of Alfredo Renaido, Australian soldiers acted in self defence and returned fire resulting in the deaths of five of Reinado’s men.”

Brigadier Nikolić said the Australian soldiers were operating under the lawful direction of the Timor-Leste Government in attempting to apprehend Reinado and his armed associates.

 “In a second incident on 4 March 2007, Defence can confirm that a Timorese man, detained on suspicion of association with the Reinado group, escaped.  Neither this man, nor any detainee, Timorese national, unidentified civilian or ADF person was injured or killed as a result of this incident.”

The Timor-Leste authorities, including the Public Prosecutions Service, have also reviewed the circumstances of these incidents and decided not to conduct further investigations.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

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