57 inmates escape from East Timor jail

At least 57 inmates escaped from an East Timor jail today, including a former military police chief and some militiamen who opposed the country’s break from Indonesian rule, the prison warden said.

Carlos Sarmento said at least 57 inmates fled the Becora Penitentiary in the capital Dili after breaking down several walls on the east wing.

Among those who escaped was Maj. Alfredo Reinado, former chief of East Timor military police and several pro-Jakarta militiamen sentenced in connection with 1999 riots that left nearly 1,500 people dead.