AI fears that peaceful East Timorese independence protesters detained by Indonesian security forces in Jakarta since 12 November could be in danger of torture and ill-treatment and that some of them are at risk of becoming prisoners of conscience. Twenty-nine protesters, who entered US Embassy grounds on 12 November and who remained there as of 15 November, could face a similar fate if they leave the embassy compound. Meanwhile, East Timorese protestors arrrested following three days of rioting and clashes with security forces in Dili may also be in danger of ill-treatment or torture. These events have occurred on the eve of a meeting of the heads of government of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries and on the third anniversary of the Santa Cruz massacre.
