Clashes erupt at East Timor protest

2012-07-18 21

Hundreds of protesters rally in the East Timorese capital of Dili.

They came out on Wednesday to demonstrate against the killing of a student in a protest on Sunday, following the results of a national election.

The ruling CNRT party won without securing a majority, and then announced it will form a coalition that excludes the main opposition group Freitilin.

In response, Freitilin members held a demonstration in which 28-year-old student Armindo Pereira was shot and killed.

(SOUNDBITE) (Tetum) PROTESTER BERNARDINO DE CRISTO:

"His death was the result of the CNRT party conference and we should keep fighting for justice in this country."

Wednesday's protest turned violent after the rally was attacked by unknown stone-throwing assailants.

It remains unclear who killed Pereira - and a police investigation is ongoing.

Simon Hanna, Reuters