Issue: CPD-RDTL Demonstration in Dili/Use of FRETILIN flags not authorized by FRETILIN

FRETILIN.Media Flash

Dili, 3 October 2011 (20:50 hrs)

As of this afternoon a number of trucks commenced arriving in Dili from the districts, as the commencement of a “peaceful demonstration” organized by CPD-RDTL.  Authorities were apparently notified, but FRETILIN, as with many others, only found out about the planned demonstration earlier this afternoon.

It appears that some of the demonstrators on the trucks were carrying and displaying FRETILIN flags. 

FRETILIN wants to make it clear that it has nothing whatsoever to do with this demonstration, and the use of the FRETILIN flags are not unauthorized by FRETILIN.  The organization in question has persistently continued to use the FRETILIN flag for some time.

Upon being informed that a number of persons on a number of these trucks were carrying and displaying FRETILIN flags, the FRETILIN leadership immediately requested the PNTL, and the PNTL agreed to act to prevent this from continuing.  We are informed that action has already been taken by PNTL in this regard.

The FRETILIN flag is a historic symbol, but also according to the legislation in place, the exclusive and legally protected symbol of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent Timor-Leste (FRETILIN) as a “political party”.

FRETILIN regrets the confusion that has been caused by these incidents.

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