The Consulate General of Timor-Leste in Belfast has condemned as “deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable” a violent confrontation in Dungannon earlier this week.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, July 15, the Consulate General said the incident, which occurred on Monday, July 13, had created “a frightening environment” and caused “significant emotional distress for the local and wider community – particularly for vulnerable individuals who may have viewed the footage circulated on social media”.
“Violence in any shape or form is entirely intolerable and must be addressed immediately and decisively,” the statement read. “We are deeply saddened by this confrontation and condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”
While stressing that the matter involves criminal conduct outside Timor-Leste’s legal enforcement powers, the Consulate General said it is “committed to actively engaging with and fully supporting the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions”.
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The mission also signalled its intention to play a direct role in efforts to ease tensions, pledging to “take the initiative to mediate between the disputing parties”.
“Our goal is to bring them together for a constructive dialogue to resolve both the immediate conflict and its underlying causes, ensuring such incidents do not happen again,” the statement continued.
In a direct appeal, the Consulate General “strongly urged” those involved in the incident “to come forward, take responsibility, and remain accountable to the law”.
The statement was issued under the heading of the Consulate General of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, based in Belfast.
