Police chief arrested in East Timor

10/10/2008 14:40:45

The police chief of East Timor's second biggest city has been arrested amid rising tensions within the force.

Stephanie March reports Baucau police commander Aderito da Costa Ximenes was arrested by members of the UN police on Thursday.

The sub-inspector has been suspended from his position since August for disciplinary issues, but has continued working despite repeated warnings from superiors.

While the UN says the crime is not serious, the move comes at a time when tensions are rising within the force as the government prepares to appoint a permanent national commander.

An anonymous leaflet has been circulating throughout the capital threatening to reignite the east/west regional conflict that flared in 2006.

The leaflet makes threats against the government if a person from the East is appointed to the top job.

Police have increased security in the capital Dili and set up nightly check points to search cars for illegal weapons.

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