Summary

Alternative Name(s): Button

Badge bearing the flag of Fretilin, and supporting independence from the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. East Timor is a territory just north of Australia that was freed from Portugal's colonial rule and subsequently occupied by Indonesia in 1975. At the time, Australia's Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam had close ties with the Indonesian leader so they did not react to the invasion. The majority of the population wanted independence from Indonesia so an international solidarity movement arose to support them, led by by churches, human rights groups, and peace campaigners who put on demonstrations and vigils. This badge probably belongs to an Australian manifestation of solidarity. Activists in Australia tried to send aid to the region, but the Indonesian forces prevented all help for the first months after the invasion, which resulted in mass starvation. The conflict lasted for decades, with the Santa Cruz Massacre as a turning point. 250 pro-independence citizens of East Timor were murdered in 1991, and this is when international human rights watch started paying more attention. The majority of the population voted for independence in a 1999 referendum and this status was granted to the nation in 2002.

At the time this badge was produced (circa 1975-1986), Fretilin was a resistance movement fghting for the independence of East Timor, first against the Portuguese and then against the Indonesians. Fretilin is now a left-wing political party and formed the government in East Tmor from independence to 2007.

Physical Description

Round badge with red, black, whie and yellow Fretilin flag. White printed text encircling perimeter. Black printed text on central yellow band. Pin on the back.

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