PRESS RELEASE
Ablai Militia member conditionally released
JSMP: 24 April 2003
The Special Panel for Serious Crimes of the Dili District Court in East Timor yesterday conditionally released a former Ablai militia member after he completed two-thirds of a four year sentence for attempted murder on 25 March 2003.
Mateus Tilman was found guilty of Attempted Murder in violation of Section 8 UNTAET Regulation 2000/15, and Articles 53 and 340 of the Indonesia Penal Code by the Special Panel on 14 June 2001 and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.
The crime was committed in September 1999 when Tilman and other Ablai militia members set fire to houses in Holorua village near Same, Manufahi District, then attacked the occupants fleeing the burning houses with machetes. A number of people were seriously burnt or injured during the incident.
On 14 April 2003, counsel for Tilman filed an application for conditional release submitting that each of the requirements for conditional release prescribed under UNTAET Regulation 2000/30 including that Tilman had been in custody since his arrest on 25 March 2000 and had therefore served two-thirds of his sentence; that he had cooperated with prison authorities and exhibited good behaviour whilst in prison; and that he no longer poses any danger to the safety or security of society.
The Public Prosecutor was notified of the application for conditional release but neither lodged any objection to it, nor attended the application hearing.
Judge Maria Natercia Gusmao Pereira granted the application upon the condition that Tilman does not commit any other offence and does not pose any danger to public safety or security; that he reside in Holarua village and not leave the jurisdiction of the court without prior authorization; and that he report to the nearest CIVPOL [sic] office once a month. The conditions are to be observed until expiry of the full sentence on 25 March 2004.JSMP