During a peaceful gathering in Dili, East Timor, thousands of students and civilians congregated to commemorate those who had died in a previous massacre at the Santa Cruz cemetery. Their intention was to express their grief and to hold a demonstration advocating for independence from Indonesian rule. However, the protest took a violent turn when Indonesian armed forces intervened, employing live ammunition on the largely unarmed crowd. Reports suggest that the military was ordered to control the situation, leading to chaotic scenes and a tragic loss of life. Eyewitnesses described seeing people shot in front of them, and the indiscriminate use of force resulted in a devastating impact on those present.

Following the massacre, the Indonesian military attempted to suppress information about the incident, limiting media access to the region. Nevertheless, the gruesome details began to emerge, triggering widespread outrage across the globe. The massacre laid bare the brutal tactics of the occupying forces and ignited international calls for accountability and human rights improvements in East Timor. This event marked a significant turning point in the East Timorese struggle for independence, solidifying the resolve of pro-independence movements while attracting attention from global human rights organizations.

The Santa Cruz massacre not only heightened tensions in East Timor but also shifted international perceptions regarding Indonesia's occupation. The images and reports that surfaced post-event played a crucial role in rallying international support for East Timor. Over the years, these events would culminate in significant diplomatic pressure on Indonesia, leading to a shift in policies that eventually resulted in East Timor gaining independence.