In the Southeast Asian island state of East Timor, a diverse and widespread gang system has developed in recent decades, with unemployed youth, disappointed farmers, former freedom fighters and members of the former pro-Indonesian militias joining to form sometimes aggressive associations. Active and former members of the police (PNTL) and the armed forces (F-FDTL) can also be found here. Some of these groups call themselves martial arts clubs, others have quasi-religious features. In July 2013, the three largest martial arts groups were banned, followed by two more groups in March 2014. Background Historical Background East Timor has had a violent past. Originally, the island of Timor was fragmented into a multitude of small and micro kingdoms ruled by Liurais (petty kings). Despite a complex alliance system, conflict between the kingdoms was an integral part of the culture, even if the fighting was highly ritualised. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the colonial powers Portugal and the Netherlands extended their sphere of power over the entire island. Rebellions (especially in the 19th century) were violently put down by the colonial powers. During the Second World War, the island was occupied by the Japanese. A guerrilla war broke out between the Allies and the Japanese, the so-called Battle of Timor, in which Timorese on both sides fought each other. After the proclamation of independence by the leftist Fretilin on 28 November 1974, Indonesia began to occupy the country only a few days later. The resulting guerrilla war and other consequences of the occupation killed 183,000 people. In 1999, the international community moved Indonesia to hold a referendum in which the inhabitants of East Timor could choose between internal autonomy and complete independence from Indonesia. The clear majority voted for independence on 30 August, despite intimidation attempts by pro-Indonesian militias, the so-called Wanra. After the referendum, Operation Thunder by the Indonesian army and the Wanra led to a final wave of violence that claimed another 3000 lives. The United Nations then sent an international intervention force (INTERFET) to restore peace and order. East Timor came under UN administration and finally gained independence in 2002. In 2006, violent unrest broke out and an international stabilisation force (ISF) and a UN police mission (UNMIT) were again deployed. 155,000 people were displaced, 6,000 houses were destroyed, and 37 people died. One element of the unrest was the different gangs. Street fights broke out between them. In