Amnesty International today called on police in Timor Leste not to use excessive force on student protestors.

"We urge security forces to respect people's right to protest peacefully. Individuals should have the freedom to express their views in public through legitimate protest," Amnesty International said.

According to press reports, today saw a number of people detained "for investigation purposes" at one demonstration in Dili.

"We also ask for any individuals detained for protesting to be charged with a recognisably criminal offence, or released immediately," said Amnesty International.