| Accession Number | P04676.576 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Film original negative chromogenic Kodak T400 CN |
| Maker |
Immig, John |
| Place made | East Timor: Oecussi |
| Date made | January 2000 |
| Conflict |
East Timor, 1999-2013 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: © Australian War Memorial
This item is licensed under CC BY-NC
|
An unidentified sergeant of RAAF Security Police (left), and an unidentified pathologist, examine ...
Description
An unidentified sergeant of RAAF Security Police (left), and an unidentified pathologist, examine a human skull which has been exumed from a mass grave site. The pathologist is pointing out two massive cuts in the top part of the skull. The area has been closed off with tape labelled 'CRIME SCENE: DO NOT CROSS'. The two men are part of an international crime scene investigation team. The human remains are those of East Timorese who were massacred in September 1999. Following the overwhelming vote for independence by the East Timorese on 30 August 1999 in the United Nations (UN) sponsored referendum, the pro-Indonesian militia launched a campaign of destruction, arson and murder, killing approximately 1500 people and forcing 300 000 others into West Timor as refugees. On 15 September, the UN issued a resolution, calling for a multinational force to restore peace and security and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations. By 20 September 1999, the first coalition force began deploying to East Timor as part of Australian-led International Force for East Timor (INTERFET).