More student arrests in East Timor protests

08/07/2008 19:57:36

Another 18 East Timorese students have been arrested during protests at the National University in Dili.

Radio Australia's Stephanie March reports that despite 21 arrests on Monday, hundred of students arrived this morning at the University opposite parliament to protest against the government's management of the budget and a proposed gun law that would enable civilians to carry arms.

The demonstrators made human barricades at the front of the university and were given five minutes to disperse before being arrested by local police.

The students have locked themselves inside the building and are singing the National anthem from second storey windows and the roof of a verandah.

They have been told by police it is illegal to hold demonstrations within 100 metres of a sovereign building.

The United Nations police waiting outside say they are trying to speak to the head of the University to get permission to enter the building, but in the meantime will wait patiently outside.

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