Timor Santa Cruz Massacre Day
Timor Santa Cruz Massacre Day (National Youth Day)
Before Indonesia withdrew forces, the anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre inspired several political protests, in towns and cities of Timor-Leste and among sympathetic communities throughout the world. In 1994, on the third anniversary, a group of Timorese activists scaled the fence of the U.S. embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, to request political asylum.
The tone of the day was and remains mournful. During the occupation years, Timorese often lit candles, and it was often an occasion for public figures to rally the people. On the fifth anniversary of the massacre, NobelPeace Prize–winner JosÉ Ramos-Horta called on Timorese to begin a new phase of their campaign for self-determination.
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste
4201 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Ste. 504
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-966-3202; fax: 202-966-3205