Gunmen kill activist at East Timor campaign rally

Gunmen kill activist at East Timor campaign rally
Gunmen shot dead a political activist during a campaign rally for a new party headed by former East Timor President Xanana Gusmao, a witness and an official says.

A group of five armed men opened fire on Alfonso "Kuda Lay" Guterres at the rally by the National Congress of Reconstruction of Timor (CNRT) party in the eastern town of Viqueque, radio correspondent Mario Pinto told AFP from Viqueque, a stronghold of the dominant Fretilin Party.

"He was shot dead by five armed men in civilians (clothing), only a few metres from the Viqueque police station," Mr Pinto said.

Mr Pinto said Mr Guterres died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

He said people were "in a panic" following the incident, but did not elaborate.

Home Minister Alcino Barris confirmed that Mr Guterres had been shot dead.

"The police are currently conducting an investigation how (the victim was killed) and the motive behind the incident," Mr Barris told AFP in Dili.

There was no immediate comment from the CNRT or the police.

Campaigning kicked off last week for crucial June 30 elections to choose a new prime minister and parliament.

The polls are expected to be a tough contest between the CNRT and Fretilin, which has dominated Parliament since East Timor officially gained its independence from Indonesia in 2002.

- AFP

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