DILI, 11 May 2026 (TATOLI) – Police have detained 10 men, including a member of the F-FDTL, in connection with the death of a man who died in hospital after allegedly being assaulted at a one-year memorial ceremony in Poros hamlet, Mehara village, Tutuala administrative post, Lautém municipality.
Vicensio Fernandes was rushed to hospital after sustaining severe injuries during a confrontation between two groups at the memorial ceremony. Despite receiving medical treatment, he could not be saved and was later pronounced dead.
“Ten men have been arrested, including a member of the F-FDTL identified as ODS. The investigation is ongoing,” PNTL Commander of Lautem Municipality, Superintendent Chief António do Rego told TATOLI on Monday.
He said the case would be submitted to the Public Prosecutor in Baucau Municipality for further investigation before the suspects’ first court appearance.
The clash took place on May 10, 2026, at around 1:15 a.m. local time, involving a group celebrating a memorial ceremony and another group holding a traditional ceremony in two different locations within the same hamlet on May 9.
“The confrontation left one victim with fatal injuries. Police rushed him to hospital, but he later died from the severity of his wounds,” Rego said.
TATOLI
