DILI, Timor-Leste, April 28 (UPI) -- A protest in East Timor over the firing of 600 soldiers turned violent with at least 20 people injured, the BBC reported.
The soldiers were absent without leave last month to protest their working conditions and what they called favoritism in promotion.
The target for Friday's violence appeared to be the office of Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri. Windows of the building were smashed and cars set on fire.
The soldiers -- many of them from western districts of the country -- initially left their posts because they believed colleagues from the east were being given promotions over them, said protest leader Gastao Salsinha.
Many of the troops, who are veterans of the 25-year fight for independence from Indonesia, feel they have not gotten the recognition they deserve for their past sacrifices, say analysts.
East Timor's government has said it will review some of the soldiers' complaints on a case-by-case basis.
