DILI, 12 november 2021 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres ‘Lu Olo’ paid special homage to Timor-Leste’s true heroes – Max Stahl, and national young heroes at the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre, on November 12, 1991, in Dili.
“As the President of the Republic, I pay my special homage to our fellow journalist Max Stahl and our national young heroes, survivors, and the families of the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the independence of the nation,” Lu Olo made the comments at the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre, in Dili, today.
The massacre was filmed by British and Timorese filmmaker and journalist, Max Stahl, who arrived in East Timor (now Timor-Leste) several weeks before the massacre. It became one of the most dramatic moments of the country, as the images of the massacre were spread around the world and draw international attention to the situation in Timor-Leste.
Lu Olo said international solidarity to Timor-Leste’s struggle grew with the spread of the footage and images of Max Stahl and the involvement of the Timorese activists living overseas at the time.
“On behalf of the State of Timor-Leste, as the President of the Republic, I send our big hugs to Max Stahl’s family in Brisbane, Australia, as well as to the families of the victims in Timor-Leste who lost their loved one during the 24-year resistance,” he said.
“Today, we gathered here, again, to pay our homage and honor the memories of our heroes and martyrs. “The Santa Cruz Massacre revealed our collective wish of living as an independent country to international communities,” said Lu Olo.
Lu Olo said: “Today, we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre in Dili, whereas the funeral service of Max Stahl was held in Brisbane, Australia.”
Christopher Wenner, better known as ‘Max Stahl died at the age of 66, on october 28, in Brisbane, Australia, after receiving treatment for cancer.
Journalist: Nelson de Sousa
Editor: Florencio Miranda Ximenes
Translation: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
