For three days, violence between Christians and Moslems in the Maluku islands has been increasing. So far, 33 have died. Each side accuses the military and security forces of taking sides. But what is apparently happening is that members of the government forces take sides depending on their religion. Most of the violence is inflicted by mobs of one religion or another. In Aceh, security forces killed another three rebels. In East Kalimantan, thirty soldiers attacked a police station, killing one policeman. The soldiers were upset about the police ordering them to wear helmets while riding motorcycles. The soldiers were later arrested by military authorities.
December 27; A week of escalating violence in the Maluku islands has left over 150 dead. In Aceh, clashes between the army and rebels has left nearly three dozen dead.
December 23; The last 103 political prisoners held by the government were released.
December 22; Despite government promises to halt the practice, East Timor anti-independence militiamen continue to discourage East Timorese refugees in West Timor from returning home.
