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Alert

Opposition militants raid broadcaster TVTL

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has urged the authorities and foreign forces in East Timor to secure the offices of the main media outlet after nearly 40 opposition militants raided Timor-Leste television and radio station TVTL, on 29 June 2006. They ransacked the premises, manhandled employees and demanded that broadcasts be suspended.

The management has now drastically reduced output of local news, for fear of further reprisals. It is currently only broadcasting Portuguese programmes but plans to return to normal on 3 July.

"This attack shows that the peace-keeping forces are not doing enough to protect journalists and it is essential for the stability of the country that there be free circulation of news," said the press freedom organisation.

The anti-government attack was believed to be linked to a 28 June broadcast on TVTL of a speech by outgoing Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, leader of the Fretilin party.

Opposition groups have been threatening TVTL for several weeks, but the broadcaster only obtained protection from the Australian armed forces on 30 June. Its management said it had asked for such protection five weeks ago.