By JASON GUTTIEREZ in Dili
AN Opposition leader in East Timor has accused Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri of being linked to a gang attack that seriously wounded four Opposition supporters.
Mr Alkatiri, who many blame for weeks of unrest that have led to armed youth youths roaming the capital, Dili, has previously denied any connection to gang violence and intimidating opponents.
The four men injured are in intensive care in hospital in Dili – one of them in a coma – said East Timor Labor Party vice-president, Dr Angela Freitas.
She said they were ambushed by 17 men armed with pistols and machetes after a meeting by a coalition of opposition parties.
Ms Freitas said the ongoing attacks were meant to scare a broad coalition of opposition members, church leaders and "civil society" planning to mobilise a peaceful demonstration to air their demands.
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Many Timorese blame Mr Alkatiri for violence that erupted when he sacked 600 soldiers from the west of the tiny nation in March. They had gone on strike complaining of pay discrimination.
Major Alfredo Reinado, who says he is in command of the sacked soldiers, wants the Prime Minister investigated for allegedly ordering illegal killings, including the shooting of 12 unarmed police.
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