Australian SAS investigated in Timor torture probe

By ALAN PERROTT

An Australian SAS unit which operated with New Zealand forces in East Timor is under investigation for alleged torture of militia prisoners.

The prisoners are alleged to have been tortured after a gunfight between the Australian troops and pro-Indonesian militia near the West Timor border on October 6 last year.

Two militiamen were killed and nine captured after an Australian convoy was ambushed. Two SAS soldiers were wounded.

It is claimed SAS troops posed over the dead bodies for photographs and the bodies were used during the interrogation of the militiamen.

There are also allegations the prisoners were tortured during questioning by Army personnel.

A spokesman for the Minister of Defence, Mark Burton, said there was no suggestion New Zealand troops were involved.

The Australian Defence Force yesterday confirmed an investigation into the allegations began in September. The troops involved were interviewed in Brisbane last month.

Herald Online feature: Timor mission

UN Transitional Administration in E Timor