DILI, 12 november 2021 (TATOLI) – The President Authority of Covalima Municipality, Francisco de Andrade, considered Santa Cruz Massacre was an important and determinant factor for the independence of Timor-Leste, as the footage and images of Max Stahl drew international attention to the situation in the country.
Andrade called on young people to follow in the footsteps of those young people, who sacrificed their life at Santa Cruz Cemetery, in 1991.
“The Santa Cruz Massacre showed the world that Timorese people wanted to be an independent country. Therefore, today’s generations must keep up this kind spirit and listen to others,” Andrade told TATOLI, at his office in Covalima, on thursday.
He said many young Timorese in 1991 were bravely fighting against the Indonesian army in a peaceful demonstration, after a long march from Motael Church to honor the death of a young Timorese hero, Sebastião Gomes, a supporter of independence for Timor-Leste, who was taken out of the church and shot by Indonesian troops.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre, young people in Covalima held a national seminar, including the Covid-19 vaccination campaign and mass.
The Secretary of State for Youth and Sports (SEJD) supported the commemoration of the 30th anniversary in Covalima with US$3.500.
Journalist: Celestina Teles
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
