Demonstrating dismissed soldiers rest, in the glow of the city lights, beside a caricature of Timorese military commander Taur Matan Ruak.2
Dili, Timor-Leste, 25 April, 2006.
Soldiers and protesters stand behind a banner calling for the government to respond to the petitioner's claims.
Dili, East Timor, 25 April, 2006. 591 dismissed soldiers from East Timor's western districts, joined by several hundred youths, held a four day demonstration in front of the government buildings, protesting discrimination by eastern commanders.
Dili, Timor-Leste, 24 - 27 April 2006
The demonstration area outside the government palace.
Dili, Timor-Leste, 25 April, 2006.
Protesting dismissed soldiers in their field headquarters during the 4-day demonstration they staged to protest discrimination against western East Timorese in the army by eastern East Timorese commanders.
Dili, Timor-Leste, 25 April, 2006.
A dismissed soldier gives a briefing to his fellow demonstrators.
Dili, Timor-Leste, 25 April, 2006.
25 April, 2006. Demonstrating soldiers recieve their orders from their commander Lt. Gastao Salshina (not pictured), at a morning muster. During the 4 days of scheduled demonstration, the dismissed soldiers maintained a high standard of calm and discipline.
Dili, Timor-Leste, 24 - 27 April 2006
The front lines of the main demonstration area outside the government palace.
Dili, Timor-Leste, 26 April, 2006.
Skirmishes after suspected 'easterners' tried to 'infiltrate' the demonstration. Tensions rode high throughout the 4 scheduled days of the demonstration, but order was generally maintained by the protesting soldiers.
Dili, Timor-Leste, 25 April, 2006.
Soldiers and youths man the front lines of the main demonstration area outside the government palace.
Dili, Timor-Leste, 25 April, 2006.
Skirmishes after suspected eastern 'provocateurs' attempted to break through a checkpoint leading into the demonstration area.
Dili, Timor-Leste, 25 April, 2006
