Media Snippets via UNOTIL Media Monitoring

Dr. Ximenes: Defamation provision not a danger to democracy

President of the Court of Appeal, Dr. Claudio Ximenes, has expressed his opinion as a jurist that the article on defamation in the Penal Code does not pose a danger to democracy. Speaking to journalists on Thursday after meeting with President Gusmao regarding the Code, Ximenes said that many other countries where democracy is alive and well including Spain, Italy and Germany, have defamation provisions in their law. He said that there are over three hundred articles in the code, and the article on defamation is just one of these, so it should not
be a major concern. He stated that in his opinion the article does not restrict press freedom, curtail citizen's rights, or violate the Constitution. (Timor Post)

RTTL News Headlines
02-02-2006

Ø Penal Code does not prejudice democracy; Speaking to journalists after meeting President Xanana Gusmao on Thursday, the President of the Court of Appeal, Claudio Ximenes reportedly stated that the Penal Code, which is yet to be promulgated by the President, does not pose any threat to Democracy in Timor-Leste. In particular, he said, the articles on defamation defend the interests of those offended and also enhance social communication in this country. (Radio Television Timor Leste)

Expulsion of six PNTL officers; The Superior Council of PNTL will expel 5 officers and rank down another for alleged misconducts. PNTL General Commander, Paulo Fatima Martins, informed reporters that the six men are 3 from Covalima, 2 from Oecusse and 1 Sub-Inspector from Dili. He added that the Interior Minister has issued expulsion orders that would be implemented this month. (Radio Television Timor Leste)

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