Besi Merah Putih

Besi Merah Putih (also known as BMP), meaning 'red and white iron' in Indonesian, is the official name of a pro-Indonesia militia operating in the district of Liquiçá, and originating in the village of Maubara.

It was one of the most feared of all the militia in East Timor, and was responsible for the burning of houses, murder, torture, rape, and intimidation of hundreds of East Timorese citizens during the 1999 pullout from East Timor by the military of Indonesia, and in the time leading up to the referendum for independence. The BMP were commanded by Manuel de Sousa, an East Timorese in support of the Indonesian rule over East Timor. During the months leading up to the East Timorese people voting for independence, the BMP held absolute control over the areas surrounding Liquica, as well as the town itself. In March 1999, international observers serving in Liquica, including several American police officers serving with the International Police (but at that time as unarmed observers) issued a report that read "The Besi Merah Putih surround a Carmelite convent in Maubara, some 60 km west of Dili yesterday and remain in place today. The militia threatened 'to kill any nun leaving the convent' because they were allegedly working for the resistance. A priest denied the charge, saying the nuns were providing aid to anyone in need 'regardless of colour, ideology or religion'." [1] [2]

Before committing a murder, BMP members have confessed that they all would drink a cocktail of alcohol, animal blood and drugs. Former members have also confessed to collecting trophies of those they killed, usually cutting away from the victim either an ear or a penis. [3] The most notable acts of murder involving the BMP was the Liquica Church Massacre, which resulted in the deaths of more than 200 civilians.

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