| ARCHIVE 2003 : December - November - October - September - August - July - June - May - April - March - February - January |
|
Reconciliation hearing seeks to resolve bitter past |
| Since gaining independence in 2002, the people of East Timor have struggled with the legacy of violence of Indonesia's 24-year occupation. Now they are being asked to turn their minds to what many people was an even more disturbing chapter of country's recent history.( AP 16 Dec) Read More |
| COURT OF APPEAL APPLIES INDONESIAN LAW AS SUBSIDIARY LAW IN TIMOR LESTE IN SCU APPEAL OF SPECIAL PANEL DECISION |
| This week the Court of Appeal handed down a landmark decision applying Indonesian law to a crime committed in Timor Leste in 1999. The appeal involved a Serious Crime Unit indictment charging two former Aitarak militiamen with murder. (SCU, 12 Dec 03), Read More |
| Justice fails to net big fish for crimes in East Timor |
| When United Nations prosecutors in February indicted Indonesia's former defence minister, General Wiranto, and seven other senior figures for crimes against humanity during Jakarta's bloody exit from East Timor, it was seen as a step forward for justice. (FT, 10 Dec 03) Read More |
| Ex-militiaman defers papua plan for nationalist group |
| A group of former East Timorese militiamen postponed a plan on Tuesday to open a branch office of their pro-integration Red-and-White Defenders Front (FPMP) in Papua province, following strong objections from the local people. (The Jakarta Post, 10 Dec 03) Read More |
| TWO SPECIAL PANEL TRIALS CONCLUDE WITH THE CONVICTIONS OF A LAKSAUR MILITIAMAN AND AN EAST TIMORESE TNI SERGEANT FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY IN TIMOR LESTE |
| On 10 December 2003, Judges at the Special Panels for Serious Crimes onvicted a former Laksaur militia member and a former East Timorese Indonesian military (TNI) Sergeant of Crimes against Humanity in the conclusion of two separate trials. Former Laksaur militia member Damicao da Costa Nunes was found guilty of two murders and persecution as Crimes against Humanity in Covalima district in August and September 1999 and sentenced to 10 years and 6 months imprisonment.(SCU, 10 Dec 03), Read More |
| FORMER EAST TIMORESE MILITIA MEMBER FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF TWO EASTTIMORESE UNAMET STAFF IN SEPTEMBER 1999 |
| At 9.00am on 9 December 2003, Judges at the Special Panels for Serious Crimes convicted Salvador Soares of Crimes against Humanity for the murder of two East Timorese UNAMET employees in Maliana on 2 September 1999. (SCU, 9 Dec 03), Read More, Portuguese, Bahasa, Tetum |
| Pacific Currents: Indonesia is short on justice for East Timor, activists say |
| Indonesia is facing criticism at home and abroad over recent developments involving two men linked to human rights abuses in the former Indonesian province of East Timor in 1999. (Seatle Post, 8 Dec 03), Read More |
| SPECIAL PANEL TRIAL ENDS WITH AN EAST TIMORESE TNI SOLDIER BEING ACQUITTED OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY |
| At 11.00 on 8 December 2003, Judges at the Special Panels for Serious Crimes acquitted Paulino de Jesus of murder and attempted murder in Bobonaro district in September 1999. This is the first acquittal of adefendant at the Special Panels for Serious Crimes since trials began in January 2001 in Timor Leste. (SCU, 8 Dec 03), Read More |
| CIIR condemns militia group in Papua |
| The Catholic Institute for International Relations (CIIR) has condemned activities in the Indonesian province of Papua by former East Timorese militia leader Eurico Guterres. (CIIR, 8 Dec 03), Read More |
| UN, U.S. Must Break the Silence on Crimes in East Timor Since Invasion |
| On the December 7 anniversary of Indonesia's 1975 invasion of East Timor, the East Timor Action Network (ETAN) urged United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the U.S. government to forcefully act for justice for the people of East Timor. (ETAN, 7 Dec 03), Read More |
| We Must Not Forget Invasion Day, 7 December 1975 |
| Twenty-eight years ago today, Indonesian invaded our country, initiating a barrage of crimes against humanity that lasted until four years ago. Although most of our people were not born at the time of the invasion, we all live with its legacy; victims include nearly every family in Timor Leste. (National Aliance, 7 Dec 03) Read More |
| Danger
of violent instability in West Papua increases as rights abusers take on key roles |
|
The appointment of Indonesia's former East Timor police chief, Timbul Silaen, as the new police chief of West Papua and the involvement of notorious East Timor militia leader, Eurico Guterres, in a new West Papua militia group renew fears of increased instability and violence in the territory and are a triumph for impunity over justice, says TAPOL the Indonesia Human Rights Campaign.( TAPOL 04 Dec.) Read More |
| Timor's Guterres forms Papua militia |
| A notorious East Timorese militia leader has formed a militia group in the mining town of Timika, a Papuan rights group reported yesterday.Feared militia leader Eurico Guterres was sentenced to 10 years' jail in November last year for instigating attacks on pro-independence leaders during East Timor's bloody referendum in August 1999. He was released pending an appeal - which could take years - and formed the Laskar Merah Putih, or Red and White Warriors militia, last month, the Papuan rights group Elsham said.(AP 02 Dec) Read More |
| Special PanelSentences Former LAKSAUR Militia Member to 9 years for Crimes against Humanity in April 99 |
| At 11.00 on 26 November 2003, Judges at the Special Panels for Serious Crimes convicted Miguel Mau of Crimes against Humanity including murder, enforced disappearance and persecution. Taking into account the guilty plea of the former Laksaur militia member, the Special Panel of three Judges sentenced Miguel Mau the to 9 years months imprisonment for crimes committed in Covalima district in Timor Leste on 23 April 1999. Read More |
| Special Panel Judges SentenceCarlos Soares to 4 ½ Years for Murder in Sept 1999 |
| On 24 November 2003, Judges at the Special Panels for Serious Crimes foundCarlos Soares (aka Carman) guilty of murder. The Special Panel of Judgessentenced Carlos Soares to 4 years 6 months imprisonment for the murder ofGraciano Mau Mario in Ermera district on 19 September 1999. Rear More, Tetum, Bahasa, Portuguese |
| Clandestine Member Sentenced for Murder by the Special Panel for Serious Crimes Cases in Dili |
| Today, 24 November 2003, the Special Panel for Serious Crimes, a part of the Dili District Court, delivered the decision in the case of Public Prosecutor against Carlos Soares aka Carman, sentencing Carlos Soares to 4 years and six month imprisonment. The panel delivering the decision was presided by Judge Francesco Florit together with Judge Antonio Helder do Carmo and Judge Dora de Morais. Read More, Bahasa, Portuguese |
| Special Panel For East Timor Ignores the Importance of Public Participation in Court Proceedings |
| The Special Panel for Serious Crimes in Dili, East Timor is conducting trial hearings in which the public participation has been ignored. During three hearings monitored by JSMP last week and early this week, in crucial moments, general court interpretation was not provided. (JSMP 19 Nov 03) Read More, Bahasa, Portuguese |
| Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions |
| Last
December the East Timorese government passed a law empowering it to charge people for informal occupation of land. The Juridical Regime of Real Estate also enables the government to evict people without the adequate safeguards enshrined in international law. Read More |
| Journalist widow fights for justice |
| THE widow of one of five Australian journalists killed in East Timor 28 years ago today called for their killers to be brought to justice ahead of the opening of a memorial for the men.(ABC 29 Oct) Read More |
| Special Panel Sentences two Former Liquica Militia Members for Crimes Against Humanity |
|
Judges at the Special Panels for Serious Crimes convicted Anastacio Martins and Domingos Goncalves of Crimes against Humanity. The two former members of the Besi Merah Putih militia group in Liquica district were sentenced to 11 years 6 months and 15 years imprisonment for crimes committed in Liquica district in Timor Leste in September 1999.( SCU 23 Oct) Read More, Bahasa, Tetum, Portuguese |
| Special Panel in Dili Finally Releases Illegal Detainee |
|
Yesterday
in Dili (21 October) the Special Panels for Serious Crimes ordered the
immediate release of Laurindo Vidigal from illegal detention, following
an habeas corpus application from the defence.(JSMP21 Oct) Read
More, Bahasa |
| Special Panels for Serious Crimes face Further setback as International Judge Called Home |
|
Further delays are expected in the Special Panels for Serious Crimes in Dili, East Timor as yet another judge looks set to return home before finishing her cases. Judge Dora de Morais from Brazil, who has been working on the Special Panel for Serious Crimes since the beginning of 2003, has been requested to return to Brazil to recommence her duties as judge in a Court in the province of Sao Paulo by the 1st November this year. Judge de Morais' departure will dramatically curtail the work of the Special Panel for Serious Crimes at a crucial time in its mandate. (JSMP20 Oct) Read More, Portuguese |
| Domingos Mendonca, Ex-Commander of Ablai militia is Sentenced for 10 years and 6 Months Imprisonment by Special Panel |
|
The Special Panel for Serious Crimes handed down a decision giving a sentence of 10 years and 6 months for the accused Domingos Mendonça, ex-member of the Ablai militia from Same-Manufahi. The Panel was composed of Judge Maria Natercia Gusmao (East Timor) - Presiding Judge - Judge Sylver Ntuzamazina (Burundi) and Judge Sigfried Blunk (Germany).(JSMP 13 Oct) Read More Tetum |
| Last Defendant in the "Same" Trial Receives 10 ½ Years Sentence For Crimes Against Humanity |
| Judges at the Special Panels for Serious Crimes found Domingos Mendonca guilty of Crimes Against Humanity including murder and persecution in the last verdict of the "Same" trial. The former member of the Tim Sasurat Ablai militia group in Same subdistrict was sentenced to 10 years and 6 months imprisonment for crimes committed in Same sub-district in Manufahi district of East Timor between April and September 1999.(SCU 13 Oct) Read More |
| Baucau Indictment Charges Former Indonesian TNI Commander in Baucau, 12 TNI Members and Baucau Militia Commanders with Crimes Against Humanity |
| The
Baucau indictment charges 17 individuals with a total of 14 counts of Crimes
Against Humanity including murder, torture, persecution and other inhumane acts committed in an organised campaign of violence against the civilian population of Baucau district between 26 March and 12 September 1999.( SCU 07 Oct) Read More, Tetum, Bahasa, Portuguese |
| East Timor: Lisbon says adoption of Indonesian law no threat to relations |
|
The East Timorese parliament overwhelmingly approved Thursday the adoption of former occupier Indonesia's legal system as the country's applicable subsidiary law. The decision was taken by 62 votes to three with 12 abstentions, following a debate characterized by many negative references to Portugal`s more than four centuries of colonial rule. (Lusa 2 Oct) Read More |
| JSMP Disappointed with passing of Unconstitutional Immigration and Asylum Law |
|
On Monday
this week (29 September, 2003) the National Parliament of East Timor passed
the controversial Immigration and Asylum Law. The law was passed with
66 votes in favour and 15 against. No members abstained.( JSMP 10 Sep)
Read More,
Bahasa, Portuguase |
| Consultation meeting on justice sector: Significant achievements but many challenges remain' |
|
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Timor-Leste, Sukehiro Hasegawa, said that there have been significant developments in the justice sector over the past 18 months but many challenges remain to be addressed. The DSRSG was speaking at the opening of a consultation meeting which was held today in Dili. The aim of the meeting, jointly sponsored byUNMISET and UNDP, was to review the progress already made and to identify the support that will still be needed for the institutional development of the sector, and for the serious crimes process, during the remainder of UNMISETs mandate and beyond.(UNMISET 30 Sep) Read More |
| 3 New Indictment Charge Sakunar Militia Deputy Commander,3 East Timorese TNI Soldiers and 13 Sakunar Militia Members with Crimes In Oecusse District in 1999 |
|
The Acting Deputy General Prosecutor for Serious Crimes filed 3 indictments with the Special Panel for Serious Crimes at Dili District Court in Timor Leste on 30 September 2003.(SCU 30 Sep) Read More, Bahasa,Tetum,Portugues |
| East Timor’s Court of Appeal orders release of Crimes Against Humanity Accused |
|
On Wednesday last week (24 September 2003) East Timor’s Court of Appeal ordered the conditional release of Carlos Ena, accused of Crimes Against Humanity, from pre-trial detention. This is the first decision of the Court of Appeal to find that an order for continued detention of an accused by the Special Panel for Serious Crimes is not legal. (JSMP 29 Sep) Read More, Bahasa |
| Police Seek Vegas Case Witnesses |
| Police said on Thursday that they were searching for at least three people who reportedly entered East Timor illegally along with former militiaman Vegas Bibilitu, who was shot dead in the neighboring country.( JP 26 Sep) Read More |
| Hera Indictment Issued Charging 18 People Including two Indonesian TNI Officers, 4 East Timorese TNI Soldier and an Aitarak Company Commander With Crimes Against Humanity |
|
The Acting Deputy General Prosecutor for Serious Crimes filed a major Crimes against Humanity indictment with the Special Panel for Serious Crimes at Dili District Court in Timor Leste on 25 September 2003.( SCU 26 Sep) Read More |
| DetainedD
East Timorese TNI Soldier Indicted fro Torture and Disappearance in Liquica District in April 1999 |
|
The Acting Deputy General Prosecutor for Serious Crimes filed a single indictment with the Special Panel for Serious Crimes at Dili District Court in Timor Leste on 23 September 2003. The indictment charges Rusdin Maubere with Crimes against Humanity for the torture and enforced disappearance of a pro independence supporter in Liquica District on 26 April 1999.(SCU 23 Sep) Read More Tetum Bahasa |
| Suspected Illegal Traders Clash with BPU, One Person Dead |
|
The Border Patrol Unit (BPU) of PNTL [Timorese police force] yesterday evening shot dead one man after a group of suspected illegal traders, in an attempt to resist arrest, injured a BPU officer near the town of Maliana [Bobonaro District].(UNMISET 20 Sep) Read More |
| Don't Trade Justice for Peace, Prosecutor Pleads |
| East Timor's chief prosecutor, Longuinhos Monteiro, has warned that the country could face internal problems if it drops cases against Indonesian human rights violators to further relations with Jakarta.(Jill Jolliffe 17 Sep) Read More |
| Police Must Be Non-Partisan and Respectful of Human Rights' |
|
The Minister of State Administration and Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Ana Pessoa, today said that Timor-Leste wants a police force that is "professional, truly non-partisan and that shows full respect for human rights". The Minister was speaking at Baucau Stadium during the ceremony to mark the hand-over of policing responsibilities in the district from UNPOL to PNTL. (UNMISET 16 Sep) Read More |
| Timor's 'Disappeared' Await Justice |
| Four years after the East Timorese people voted overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesia, justice remains elusive for the victims of the violence that followed.( The Age 15 Sep) Read More |
| First TNI Soldier Charged with Crimes Against Humanity: Trial Starts in Dili |
|
On Thursday the trial of the first former TNI Soldier charged with Crimes Against Humanity commenced in the Special Panel for Serious Crimes of the Dili District Court in East Timor.The Accused, Marcelino Soares, is the former Babinsa, or village level Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) in Hera village, Metinaro Sub-District in Dili. He is indicted upon three counts of Crimes against Humanity (murder, torture and persecution by unlawful detention) arising from the arrest and torture of three members of an East Timorese pro-independence group, by East Timorese and Indonesian TNI soldiers, and the subsequent murder of one of the arrested persons, Luis Dias Soares, on or about 20 April 1999. ( JSMP 15 Sep) Read More |
| Visiting Kopassus chief to face trial for rights abuses |
| The Kopassus chief, Commander Major General Sriyanto, invited to Australia to cement a military deal with Canberra, will shortly be tried for human rights abuses in Indonesia.(GLW 10 sep) Read More |
| Judges of Ad Hoc Court For E Timor Case Invited to Honolulu |
| Twenty
20 judges of the ad hoc Court for East Timor have been invited to the East-West Centre, Honolulu, United States this week for a discussion with world-calibre law experts.( Antara 4 Sep) Read More |
| Justice for East Timor victims? Not in Indonesia |
| Acar bomb exploded at the Marriott Hotel in Jakarta on August 5, killing 12 people. That same day, across town, a man responsible for many more deaths received a slap on the wrist as Indonesia's ad hoc human rights court ended its judicial charade. Major-General Adam Damiri received three years in jail for his involvement in the 1999 devastation in East Timor. He remains free pending his appeal, and is unlikely to spend a day in a cell.( SCMP 2 Aug) Read More |
| Fight
Against Terror Must Include Justice for East Timor |
|
Editor's Note: As Indonesian authorities struggle to capture those responsible for terror bombings in Jakarta, Indonesia's own military officers remain free from prosecution for their crimes against humanity in East Timor. Indonesia's powerful ally the United States, the writer says, must support an international war crimes tribunal for East Timor.(PNS 15 Aug) Read More |
| Free East Timor Japan Coalition Calls for International Tribunal |
|
Indonesian Tribunal a cover-up, rewarding those responsible for theatrocities in East Timor with impunity. Japan Coalition calls for an international tribunal.(JPC 29 Aug) Read More |
| Timor-Leste: International Community Must Press for Justice for Crimes Against Humanity |
| On the fourth anniversary of the vote for independence by the people of Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor),Amnesty International is launching a new campaign to ensure that the victims of the 1999 violence do not have to wait another four years for justice. (AI 29 Aug) Read More |
| JSMP: New Internal Security Act May Be Unconstitutional |
|
On Tuesday, East Timor's proposed Internal Security Act was referred by Parliamentary Committee A to the President of the Republic for the purpose of its approval prior to entry into force as law. The Judicial System Monitoring Programme (JSMP) is concerned that the Act is potentially unconstitutional as it undermines the role of Parliament and may challenge human rights guarantees. (JSMP 27 Aug) Read More |
| East Timor: Dili Grants Some Ex-militias Immunity for Reconciliation Visits |
| East Timor's attorney-general's office has granted immunity from detention to about 150 former anti- independence militias and pro-Indonesia integrationists to return home temporarily for reconciliation meetings with officials and relatives .(Lusa 26 Aug) Read More |
| Australia Launches East Timor Policing Initiative |
| Australia will work in partnership with East Timor as it continues to build an effective, professional and accountable police force. This $40 million initiative will be delivered over four years.(GA 25 Aug) Read More |
| E Timor President Attempts Reconciliation Talks |
|
The President of East Timor, Xanana Gusmao, has held the first in a series of reconciliation talks with former militia leaders near his country's border with Indonesian West Timor.(ABC 24 Aug) Read More |
| Ablai Militia Member Convicted of Crimes Against Humanity For Murders and Deportation in 1999 |
|
Judges at the Special Panel for Serious Crimes sentenced Joao Sarmento to 8 years and 8 months imprisonment following his recent guilty plea during the Same trial. The former Tim Sasarat Ablai militia member was convicted of two counts of Crimes Against Humanity (murder) and Crimes Against Humanity (deportation) for crimes committed in Same sub-district in Manufahi district between April and September 1999.(SCU 12 Aug) Read More |
| Justice after the Timor bloodshed |
|
It was overshadowed by the Jakarta bombing. But the conviction last week of a senior Indonesian general for crimes against humanity should not be overlooked. Indonesia did all it could to avoid having its officers brought before international war crimes tribunals over their behaviour during East Timor's independence vote four years ago.(SMH 11 Aug) Read More |
| Human Tragedy of East Timor |
| It happened to the East Timorese after the vote on self-determination on Aug. 30, 1999. In the mayhem that ensued, many fled across the border into Nusa Tenggara Barat, with the number of refugees reaching a huge 250,000 people.(JP 10 Aug) Read More |
| Former Integration Figther Calls on East Timorese to Continue Reconciliation |
|
Former Chief of the Integration Fighters Legion (PPI) Joao da Silva Tavares has called on all East Timorese people to continue reconciliation process.( Antara 8 Aug) Read More |
| Only justice can Build Dili-Jakarta Relationship |
| Jakarta's "theater of justice on East Timor" is nearing its end, when the ad hoc human rights tribunal on Tuesday sentenced Maj.Gen. Adam Damiri to three years in jail for his involvement in the 1999 devastation in East Timor, while letting him free pending his appeal. The court has so far acquitted 12 of the 18 brought to trial.(CCR 7 Aug) Read More |
| US disappointed with Indonesian Rights Tribunal, Timor Activists Rage |
|
The United States said it was disappointed with the work of an Indonesian tribunal into atrocities in East Timor, after it jailed a convicted general for just three years -- a sentence branded by activists here as "a joke." (Agence France Presse 6 Aug) Read More |
| COURT IN JAKARTA COMPLETES THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE |
|
The sentencing of Major General Adam Damiri to three years imprisonment for crimes against humanity in a sentence handed down on Tuesday brings to a close a process that is widely regarded internationally as both a tragedy and a farce. Damiri is the last and most high ranking of 18 defendants to be tried and sentenced by the ad hoc Human Rights Court in Jakarta.(JSMP 6 Aug) Read More |
| Jakarta jails general over East Timor |
| An army general was found guilty of crimes against humanity by an Indonesian court yesterday over bloodshed during East Timor's independence vote in 1999, ending a series of court cases that rights groups have largely branded a whitewash. (The Age 6 Aug) Read More |
| East Timor tribunal to clear genera |
|
The much derided tribunal investigating the mass murder and devastation thataccompanied East Timor's 1999 independence referendum is expected to acquit the most senior defendant on trial today.(The Guardian 5 Aug) Read More |
| SERIOUS CRIMES UNIT UPDATE VII/03 5 August 2003 |
|
The Serious Crimes Unit (SCU) was established by the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor (UNTAET) following UN Security Council Resolution 1272 (1999). As mandated by the United Nations Security Council, the Serious Crimes Unit is responsible for conducting investigations and preparing indictments to assist in bringing to justice those responsible for Crimes against Humanity and other serious crimes committed in East Timor in 1999. (SCU 5 Aug) Read More |
| Banker Faces Timor Court |
| THE ANZ Bank manager in East Timor, Kirk McNamara, faced court in Dili yesterday on criminal charges that he had stolen doors from a house owned by the brother of Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.( Weekly Times 5 Aug) Read More |
| TIMOR: Legal System Faces Chaos |
| East Timor's most senior judge has ruled the new nation's legal system should be based on Portuguese law, not Indonesian law. The controversial statement was made during his verdict on an appeal of a Timorese militiaman convicted on involvement in murders and a massacre during the 1999 vote for independence,listen( ABC 01 Aug) Read More |
| Information Release From Prosecutor General of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste |
| The Prosecutor General of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste filed an application with the Supreme Court of Justice in Timor Leste requesting a declaration clarifying the issue of applicable law in Timor Leste. (GPGR 24 July) Read More |
| Special Panel Delivers its own Decision on the Applicable Law |
|
The furore regarding whether the law of Indonesia, or of Portugal, should be the applicable subsidiary law in East Timor took a new twist today when the Special Panel for Serious Crimes, a Division of the Dili District Court responsible for Crimes Against Humanity trials stemming from the violence of 1999, weighed into the debate by issuing their own opinion on the issue.(JSMP 24 July) Read More |
| JSMP Expresses Concern About Personal Attacks Upon Court of Appeal Judges |
| JSMP is alarmed by the recent pattern of criticism from members of government towards judges of the Court of Appeal of East Timor. Several statements appear to constitute personal attacks on individual judges, rather than fair comment on the content of judicial decisions.(JSMP 23 July) English - Portuguese |
| East Timor's Court of Appeal Renders Three Further Decisions Applying Portuguese Law |
|
The Court of Appeal has recently delivered three further appeals applying Portuguese law in East Timor. In each case heard before the Court on Friday last week, the majority of the Court , namely Judge Claudio Ximenes (Presiding) and Judge Jose Antunes (Portugese International Judge) affirmed their position that the appropriate subsidiary law in East Timor is Portuguese, rather than Indonesian law.(JSMP : 22 July) Read More |
| Court of Appeal Decision Raises National and International Concern |
|
The Court of Appeal has this week published a decision which has shaken the foundations of the legal system in East Timor. The Court ruled that Indonesian law has never been validly in force in East Timor, questioned the validity of the United Nations Regulation 2000/15 which forms the basis for prosecution of Crimes Against Humanity, and purported to expand the definition of ´genocide´under international law.( JSMP 17 July) Read More
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| Maliana Indictment Issued Charging 57 People Including 17 Members of The Indonesian Military, That Commander of The Militia Groups of East Timor,The District Police Chief and The District Administrador |
| The Maliana indictment charges a total of 57 individuals with a total of 14 counts of crimes against humanity including murder, attempted murder, torture and persecution committed against the civilian population of Bobonaro District between May and September 1999.(SCU 15 July) Read More |
| THREE INTERNATIONAL PROSECUTORS FOR SERIOUS CRIMES INAUGURATED TO APPEAR AT THE SPECIAL PANELS |
|
On 7 July 2003, Dr.Longuinhos Monteiro, the Prosecutor General of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste presided over the inauguration of three International prosecutors at a ceremony at the Office of the Prosecutor General in Dili, Timor Leste. The Prosecutors from the Serious Crimes Unit took Oaths of Office which will allow them to prosecute cases before the Special Panels for Serious Crimes of Dili District Court Court of Timor Leste. Dr. Claudio de Jesus Ximenes, the President of the Appeal Court also participated in the ceremony which was observed by members of the Courts of Timor Leste, UNMISET and the Diplomatic community. (SCU 7 July) Read More |
| ABLAI MILITIA LEADERS SENTENCED FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY |
|
The Special Panel for Serious Crimes in East Timor today convicted and sentenced two Ablai militia leaders to imprisonment for murder and other Crimes Against Humanity committed in Same Sub-District in 1999.( JSMP 16 July) Read More |
| Special Panel Dismisses Indictment Against Alleged Aitarak Militia Members |
| On 11 July the Special Panel for Serious Crimes in Dili dismissed a prosecution indictment against two alleged members of the Aitarak Militia and ordered them to be released from detention. (JSMP 15 July) Read More |
| Foreign Businessman Released from Detention in East Timor |
|
A Chinese-Malay businessman being held in East Timor´s Becora Prison pending police investigation of alleged criminal and border control offences was released last week following a successful Habeas Corpus action before the Dili District Court.(JSMP 11 July) Read More |
| U.S. Allows Continuing Military Aid to Some ICC Signatories |
| President Bush has issued waivers allowing continuing military aid to 22 countries that signed the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC), and subsequently signed Article 98 agreements exempting U.S. personnel from war crimes prosecution.(NNN July) Read More |
| Court of Appeal Recommences in East Timor |
|
After eighteen months delay the Court of Appeal in East Timor recommenced operation this week. Until Monday of this week no appeals from the Special Panels for Serious Crimes or the nations' four district courts have been heard , resulting in a backlog of approximately 80 cases. (JSMP 02 July) Read More |
| East Timor: PM slams branding of immigration bill as 'unconstitutional' |
| East
Timor`s prime minister, Mari Alkatiri, criticized Tuesday the earlier pronouncement by Dili's Court of Appealthat a draft immigration and asylum bill is unconstitutional.(Lusa 01 July) Read More |
| Claims that Army Fuelled E.Timor Atrocities are "Fantasy": General |
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A general on trial before a human rights court on Tuesday rejected allegations that troops fuelled the 1999 atrocities in East Timor as "fantasy."( AFP 01 July) Read More |
| Amnesty faults E. Timor police force for detentions, beatings |
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An international rights group criticised East Timor's new police force for arbitrary detentions, beating some detainees and a trigger-happy response to last December's riots in which three people died.(AI 01 July) Read More |
| JSMP Applauds Court of Appeal Decision on Immigration Law |
|
The Judicial System Monitoring Programme today applauded the finding of the Court of Appeal in East Timor that sections of the Immigration and Asylum Law are unconstitutional.( JSMP 01 July) Read More |
| Timor-Leste: New Police not yet Capable of Maintaining Law and Order and Protecting Human Rights. |
|
Despite significant progress, the National Police Service of Timor-Leste (PNTL) remains a fragile and underdeveloped institution which is not yet adequately trained, equipped, or sufficiently well- supported, to maintain law and order in a manner consistent with international human rights standards, Amnesty International said in a report published today. (AI 01 July) Read More |
| U.S. Congress Demonstrates Strong Support for Justice for East Timor |
|
Members of both chambers of Congress have urged the Bush administration to act to ensure justice for the many serious crimes committed in East Timor during Indonesia's illegal occupation. The Senate and House letters were sent yesterday as the Indonesian ad hoc Human Rights Court for East Timor prepares to issue its final verdict for crimes against humanity committed in East Timor in 1999, expected July 1.( Etan 27 June) Read More |
| SERIOUS CRIMES UNIT UPDATE VI/03 |
| The Serious Crimes Unit (SCU) was established by the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor (UNTAET) following UN Security Council Resolution 1272 (1999). As mandated by the United Nations Security Council, the Serious Crimes Unit is responsible for conducting investigations and preparing indictments to assist in bringing to justice those responsible for serious crimes in East Timor in 1999.( SCU 25 June) Read More |
| New Police Chief Arrives to Credibility Crisis |
|
Australian Federal Police officer Sandra Peisley arrived in Dili this week with the unenviable task of commanding UNPOL, the troubled United Nations police force criticised by East Timorese and expatriates alike.(Jill Jolliffe 27 June) Read More |
| Timor
trials debacle raises fear of increased military oppression in West Papua |
|
The disastrous
failure of Indonesia's ad hoc human rights |
| East Timor: Be Wary of Crime, US Gov't Tells its Nationals |
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The United States Department of State has renewed its advice for American citizens traveling to East Timor to "exercise extreme caution" and "remain alert".( Lusa 25 June) Read More |
| Bright Dawn, Dark Days In Timor |
|
East Timor won huge goodwill as it launched into independence. But Asia- Pacific editor Rowan Callick has discovered, in investigating a deeply troubled Australian venture there, that the tasks of winning business confidence and creating the rule of law are, for now, proving too hard.(JIN 23 June) Read More |
| Legal and Rights Experts Draw Up Draft Laws For Post Conflict Situations |
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Legal and human rights experts meeting in Geneva have presented acting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Bertrand Ramcharan with groundbreaking draft legislation for use in post-conflict justice systems.(David Marshall 19 June) Read More |
| U.S. questions RI's will to prosecute rights cases |
| The United States has expressed concern over Indonesia's apparent lack of will to prosecute military personnel implicated in past human rights abuses,saying it would hamper the democracy that has flourished in the country since 1998.(JP 18 June) Read More |
| Gusmão Awarded Human Rights Prize |
|
On Monday the European Council in Lisbon awarded President Gusmão the North-South Prize, an award to distinguish contributors for development, human rights and democracy. (STL, ABC 17 June) Read More |
| Timor Leste won't push for war crimes tribunal |
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Indonesa has shown real statesmanship in its dealings with Timor Leste, the latter's Foreign Minister Jose Ramos-Horta said during a visit to Singapore.(ST 15 June) Read More |
| East Timor: PM Alkatiri wants Amnesty For Crimes of 1999 |
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East Timor`s prime minister, Mari Alkatiri,called Thursday for an amnesty for prisoners currently serving sentences in Timorese jails for crimes committed around the time of the territory`s 1999 bloody independence ballot.(Lusa 12 June) Read More |
| BMP Militia Member Released From Pre-Trial Detention |
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The Special Panel for Serious Crimes of the Dili District Court in East Timor on Monday ordered the release of an alleged former militia member from pre-trial detention pending the relisting of his case for trial hearing. ( JSMP 12 June) Read More |
| East Timor Foreign Minister: Won't Push For Intl Tribunal |
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East Timor
Wednesday said it wouldn't take the lead |
| E Timor PM Call For Intl Tribunal Draws Fire From Jakarta |
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East Timor's prime minister drew fire from Jakarta Tuesday after resuming his call for an international tribunal to try Indonesian officers for alleged rights abuses during the country's bloody fight for independence.(AP 10 June) Read More |
| Sakunar Militia Leader in East Timor Sentenced for Crimes Against Humanity |
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A former militia commander from Oecussi East Timor, today was sentenced to seven years for one count of murder as a crime against humanity in the Special Panel for Serious Crimes of the Dili District Court in East Timor. Quelo Mauno (otherwise known as Agostinho Atolan) aged approximately 42, was the commander of the Sakunar Militia in Naetuna village, Passable sub-district, Oecussi in 1999. He was arrested in November 2002 and charged with the murder of Domingos Kolo who was found stabbed to death following his capture by the Sakunar militia in September 1999 during the violence which erupted following the East Timorese vote for independence in the Popular Consultation.(JSMP 09 June) Read More |
| Demonstration to Call for an End to Military Assault on Aceh and for Justice for East Timor |
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Today, Monday, June 9, at 5:30 p.m. demonstrators will gather at the Indonesian Embassy to protest the Indonesian military assault on Aceh and the Indonesian military's ongoing impunity for crimes committed in East Timor. The embassy is located at 2020 Massachusetts Ave., NW.(Etan 09 June) Read More |
| Indonesia Wants to Acquit General in Human Rights Case |
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Indonesian
prosecutors told a human rights |
| East Timor needs international tribunal |
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GREEN BAY -- An international tribunal is needed for East Timor. Recent verdicts on Indonesia's sham trials absurdly misrepresent the carnage of 1999 as a conflict between different Timorese factions instead of being what they orchestrated. Many of those accused didn't even show up for their own day in court. Plus, they ignored the 23 years of previous illegal occupation.(Green Bay 05 June) Read More |
| Prosecutor demands court clears general |
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An Indonesian prosecutor yesterday demanded a court acquit a top general on trial over violence in East Timor in 1999, saying it had not been proved that he was guilty of committing crimes against humanity.( Age 6 June) Read More |
| SCU: Crimes Against Humanity Indictment Charges Indonesian Aitarak Militia Commander Beny Ludji and Aitarak Members With Murder |
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The Acting Deputy General Prosecutor for Serious Crimesfiled two new indictments with the Special Panel for Serious Crimes at Dili District Court in Timor Leste.(SCU 04 June) Read More |
| JSMP Welcomes New Appointments to The Courts |
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The justice system in East Timor has been bolstered this week by the swearing-in of two new international Judges to the Special Panel for Serious Crimes Division of the Dili District Court and the swearing in of a new International Judge to the bench of the reconstituted Court of Appeal in East Timor.(JSMP 03 June) Read More |
| RI seeks clarification of E. Timor PM's call for rights tribunal |
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Indonesia
sought clarification Monday of reports that the |
| East Timor cases will always haunt RI: Activist |
| Pressure for the establishment of an international tribunal to try Indonesian Military personnel accused of gross human rights violations in East Timor will never end following the poor result of a series of trials by the country's ad hoc human rights tribunal, an activist says.(JP 02 June) Read More |
| East Timor PM Wants International Tribunal To Try Indonesian Officers |
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The prime minister Friday called for the establishment of an international tribunal in a neutral country to try Indonesian military officers for the bloodshed that swept East Timor when it voted to break from Jakarta in 1999.(Ap 30 May) Read More |
| Amnesty criticises Indonesia on Aceh, Papua and Timor |
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Indonesia made some progress on reforms in 2002 but the human rights situation in Aceh and Papua was grave, and trials over human rights violations in East Timor were unsatisfactory, Amnesty International said on Wednesday.(Reuters 28 May) Read More |
| Dili Case Exposes Jitters Among Foreign Investors |
| A court case in which a bodyguard of East Timorese Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri is said to have kicked a Chinese-Malaysian businessman, calling him a monkey, is being closely watched by foreign investors.(The Age 28 May) Read More |
| Amnesty International Report about East Timor |
| Human
rights were widely debated during the drafting process of the Constitution
which was adopted prior to independence in May. The newly independent government
inherited an institutional and legal framework which was incomplete and
unable to protect human rights fully. The rights of victims and suspects,
including children, were undermined by the weak justice system and the police used excessive force in response to public disturbances. Delays and inconsistencies in the administration of justice contributed to security problems in prisons. There was continued reliance on non-official justice mechanisms which were not always applied in a manner consistent with international standards for fair trial. Women and other vulnerable groups were at particular risk of discrimination in this system.(AI Jan-Dec) Read More |
| Dili Case Exposes Jitters Among Foreign Investors |
| A court case in which a bodyguard of East Timorese Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri is said to have kicked a Chinese-Malaysian businessman, calling him a monkey, is being closely watched by foreign investors.(The Age 28 May 2003) Read More |
| East Timor: Militias may escape justice over 1999 atrocities |
| The U-N Special Crimes Unit in East Timor has charged former militia commander, Joao Tavares, and four Indonesian TNI, or military, officers for atrocities in the territory before and after a UN sponsored vote for independence from Indonesia in August 1999. They are among 32 people, including 15 TNI soldiers, accused of murder, torture, persecution and other crimes. No arrests have been made and with all of those indicted living in Indonesia, there are serious doubts that they will ever face an East Timorese court.(APP 26 May) Read More |
| Call for International Tribunal, Regardless of Indonesian Court Verdicts |
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More than ninety leading religious leaders and organizations from across the U.S. released a statement today urging the U.S. government to support the establishment of an international tribunal for East Timor. The statement follows the last week's acquittal by an Indonesian court of former Indonesian military commander Brigadier General Tono Suratman for crimes against humanity committed in East Timor in 1999.(Etan 26 May) Read More |
| Indonesia General Suratman Acquitted Of Abuses In East Timor |
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An Indonesian court Thursday acquitted a former Indonesian military commander in East Timor accused of not preventing massacres during the country's bloody struggle for independence in 1999.(Ap 22 May) Read More |
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Sakunar Militia Leader in East Timor PleadsGuilty to Crimes Against Humanity |
| A former militia commander from Oecussi East Timor, today pleaded guilty to one count of murder as a crime against humanity before the Special Panel for Serious Crimes of the Dili District Court in East Timor. (JSMP.22 May) Read More |
| The International Federation for East Timor (IFET) urged the UN Security Council to establish an International Tribunal |
| May 20, 2003 - On the first anniversary of the new country's independence, the International Federation for East Timor (IFET) urged the UN Security Council to establish an international tribunal to try the masterminds of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the territory from 1975 to 1999.(IFET 20 May) Read More |
| East Timor Action Network Urges Gifts of Justice and Fairness on Country's First Birthday |
| With the approach of the first anniversary of East Timor's independence, the East Timor Action Network (ETAN) today called on the U.S. government to actively support an international tribunal for East Timor. ETAN also urged the Australian government to honor the resource rights of the new nation by promptly and fairly negotiating maritime boundaries between the two countries. East Timor will celebrate one year of independence on Tuesday, May 20.( Etan 17 May) Read More |
| JSMP Reviews Justice in Dili District Court |
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Judges and lawyers in Dili District Court are failing to follow East Timor's law-undermining the rights and interests of all people using the court system- according to a report released today by East Timor's Judicial System Monitoring Programme (JSMP). ( JSMP 15 May) Read More |
| Address by DR. Claudio de Jesus Ximenes on the occasion of the swaring-in ceremony of the President of the Court of Appeal |
| It is a matter of great honour for me to take on the functions of President of the highest instance of the Courts of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and to participate, particularly in my capacity as a Timorese citizen, in the establishment of the justice system of my country.(RDTL 13 May) Read More |
| Tono's verdict to be delivered May 23, |
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The ad-hoc human rights tribunal is scheduled to deliver on May 23 the verdict of former East Timor Military Commander Brig. Gen. Tono Suratman, who is accused of failing to prevent a spate of human rights abuses before and after the 1999 self-determination ballot in East Timor.(Jak Post 09 May) Read More |
| President of the Court of Appeal to be Sworn in on Monday |
| On Monday 12th May at 16.30, H.E. President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão will swear in the President of the Court of Appeal, Dr. Cláudio de Jesus Ximenes, at the same building where the Court of Appeal will function, in Caicoli, Dili.(RDTL 10 May) Read More |
| East Timor: CIIR staff member speaks at Truth and Reconciliation Commission |
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CIIR women's advocacy officer for East Timor Ivete D'Oliveira reports on her submission to East Timor's Truth and Reconciliation Commission on 28 April: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission brought together 20 women survivors from villages and districts to give their testimonies about the crimes that happened to them under Indonesian occupation from 1974 to 1999. (CAVR 06 May) Read More |
| Army major general skips two rights court hearings |
| Maj.
Gen. Adam Damiri still holds an important position in the Indonesia Military (TNI) despite his status as a defendant in the country's ad hoc human rights tribunal.(Jak.Post 07 May) Read More |
| Women and Conflict National Public Hearing. |
| Timorese
women recently completed two days exposing the realities of human rights
violations against women in East Timor over the 25 years of political conflict
and war between 1974-1999. In a national public hearing conducted by the
Commission on Reception Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR), for the first time
in Timor Leste's history women were given centre-stage to tell of their experiences.(CAVR 28-29 April) Read More |
| East Timor: Concern over future of Serious Crimes Unit |
| East Timor's Serious Crimes Unit is losing its high profile chief -- Siri Frigaard.She completes her mission this week, raising concerns about the unit's long term future. The United Nations is already cutting the number of international prosecutors from 13 to nine and says it can't guarantee any support for the project beyond June 2004.(RA 29 April.) Read More |
| CAVR: Women In Conflict Hearing |
| The Commission on Reception Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor (CAVR) will conduct its third national public hearing in the nation¹s capital Dili on 28-29 April 2003. Women in Conflict is the theme of this hearing, in which the CAVR will hear from over 20 women about their experiences, and about policies and practices which resulted in human rights violations against women between 1974 and 1999. ( CVAR 23 April.) Read More |
| Rights groups denounce UN for betraying victims of atrocities in East Timor |
| The
Catholic Institute for International Relations (CIIR) and TAPOL, the Indonesia Human Rights Campaign, have condemned the UN Commission on Human Rights for failing to ensure that the perpetrators of gross violations of human rights in East Timor are brought to justice and for agreeing to drop the issue from its agenda next year.(Tapol 25 April.) Read More |
| Ablai Militia member conditionally released |
| 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.(JSMP 24 April) Read More |
| East Timor rights trial needs int'l pressure |
| Activists have urged the international community to ensure that justice is served against all perpetrators of the gross human rights violations in East Timor, now that hopes for a fair trial have evaporated.(Jak.Post 24 April) Read More |
| Chance for justice fades for East Timor victims |
| The
chance to bring justice to the victims of the 1999 human rights violations in East Timor has vanished, after the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) agreed over the weekend to drop the agenda from its future meetings.( Jak Post 21 April) Read More |
| Departure of international judge means Special Panels for Serious Crimes in East Timor unable to function |
| With the departure of Judge Benfeito Mosso Ramos (from Cape Verde) on Sunday 6 April 2003 there are now insufficient judges for the Special Panels for Serious Crimes to carry out trials in East Timor. Under UNTAET Regulations the Special Panels must be comprised of two international judges and one East Timorese judge, with the only remaining international judge being Judge Sylver Ntukamazina from Burundi. An exception is made for preliminary hearings and detention hearings.(JSMP 21 April) Read More |
| Indonesia's top judge hits out at Amnesty over Timor trial criticism |
| The head of Indonesia's Supreme Court has hit out at Amnesty International for describing trials of suspects in the 1999 East Timor violence as "not honest, truthful or fair," it was reported Thursday.(AFP 17 April) Read More |
| East
Timor: Jakarta trials a farce, UN must act, says Amnesty International |
| Amnesty
International Tuesday denounced Indonesia's trials of human rights crimes committed in East Timor as "dishonest, false and unjust", urging the United Nations to set up an international court to try Jakarta's atrocities in 1999. (Lusa. 15 April) Read More |
| Prosecutors demand ten years' jail for former East Timor military· |
| Prosecutors
on Monday asked the Tribunal Court to sentence an Indonesian general to ten years in prison for crimes against humanity during East Timor's bloody breakaway from Jakarta in 1999.(Jak.Post 14 April) Read More |
| Portugal awards former UN human rights chief Robinson |
| Portugal
especially does not forget her fight on behalf of the people of East Timor, " he added before handing Robinson the Great Cross of the Order of Christ. (AFP 11 Apri.) Read More |
| CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY RAPE CHARGES FOR FIVE TNI SOLDIERS |
| The
Deputy General Prosecutor for Serious Crimes filed a new Crimes Against Humanity indictment with the Special Panel for Serious Crimes at Dili District Court in East Timor at 1400 on 9 April 2003. The indictment charges 5 East Timorese TNI soldiers with Crimes Against Humanity? Rape, Torture and Deportation. (SCU.10 April) Read More |
| SERIOUS CRIMES UNIT: INFORMATION RELEASE 9 APRIL 2003 |
| The
Deputy General Prosecutor for Serious Crimes filed a major crimes against humanity indictment with the Special Panel for Serious Crimes at Dili District Court in East Timor at 1400 on 8 April 2003. (SCU 08 April) Read More |
| Statement by Ambassador Djismun Kasri, Head of Indonesian Delegation |
| The
reform process initiated in 1998 by the Government of Indonesia has seen some major changes, evidanced among others by a thorough overhaul of the country's legislation and infrastructures. Nowhere have these changes been more meaningful than in the field of human rights, which the government considers crucial and where it has made serious efforts to remedy past shortcomings. This painstaking process has taken time and will now only be completed under the second five-year National Plan of Action, 2003-2008. But the are ongoing and a stronger mechanism for their implementation is in the course of elaboration.(08 April ) Read More |
| Lolotoe case finalized as former militia commander sentenced to 12 years for Crimes Against Humanity in East Timor |
| On Saturday 5 April,2003 at 10 am the Special Panel for Serious Crimes of the Dili District Court sentenced Jose Cardoso Fereira alias Mouzinho to 12 years imprisonment for Crimes Against Humanity. (JSMP 05 April ) (Baca Bahasa Indonesian ) Read More |
| Rights Groups Fault Indonesian Tribunal : Most Acquitted So Far for East Timor Atrocities; Higher-Ups Avoid Prosecution |
| Indonesia -- On a recent day in a weathered courthouse in Jakarta sat defendant Tono Suratman, an army brigadier general accused of failing to prevent two massacres in East Timor during its bloody breakaway from Indonesia in 1999. (The Washington Post. 6 April. ) Read More |
| Diplomat Pessimistic About Post-War Iraq |
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As U.S.
ambassador to Croatia at the height of the carnage in the former Yugoslavia,
Peter Galbraith has seen it before _ the ethnic massacres and |
| Freedom's disappointments |
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INDEPENDENCE has turned out to be a bittersweet pill for East Timor. After anti-government riots last year, the country has now been hit by a wave of militia incursions from West Timor, which is still part of Indonesia. With the United Nations' support mission due to leave next year, there is a growing danger that this experiment in UN nation-building could end up an embarrassing mess. (Economist 20 Mar 03) Read More |
| Ex-Indonesian Pres: Govt Never Sanctioned Timor Violence |
| Ex-president B.J. Habibie told a human rights court Thursday that the bloodshed which swept across East Timor after its independence referendum in 1999 was the work of criminals, not the result of any order from his administration. (AP 20 Mar. 2003) Read More |
| Ex-leader testifies on E Timor |
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Indonesia's president at the time of the 1999 independence referendum in East Timor, BJ Habibie, has been testifying on the bloodshed during the vote. Mr Habibie denied that his government had attempted to sway the vote by ordering a violent campaign of intimidation. (BBC 20 Mar. 2003) Read More |
| Habibie Disowns 1999 Killings, Blames "Criminals" |
| Former
Indonesian President B.J. Habibie told a human rights court in Jakarta today
that criminals -- not his administration -- were responsible for the revenge campaign that resulted in the deaths of nearly 2,000 people following the East Timor independence referendum in 1999. (UNWire 20 Mar. 2003) Read More |
| Appeal justices sworn in |
| Supreme Court Chief Bagir Manan swore in on Monday six appeal justices for the ad hoc human rights tribunal, to handle cases of human rights defendants acquitted in the lower courts. (Jak.Post 18 Mar.) Read More |
| Six pro-Jakarta militiamen arrested |
| Military authorities in West Timor have arrested six pro-Jakarta militiamen for their alleged involvement in last month's ambush of a passenger bus in East Timor and other acts of violence, agencies reported.(Jak.Post 18 Mar.) Read More |
| East Timor crimes against humanity perpetrator released, recaptured and released again |
| After six days on conditional release from East Timor's Becora prison, Gilberto Fernandes, previously convicted in the first major crimes against humanity case in East Timor (the Los Palos case), was re-captured again on 6 March because he is alleged to have committed another crime in 1999. (JSMP 18 Mar.) Read More |
| Slow Road to Justice |
| The young boy returned to the mountain village of Letefoho in fear and disgrace. He was a child in 1999 when, swept up in the militia violence that followed East Timor's vote for independence, he burnt down his aunt's house and fled. When he finally came home this year, the teenager had no idea of what he would face. He bought new roofing material for his aunt and waited. And in a public ceremony last month, he apologized to her and to his neighbors, and was forgiven. (Time.24 Mar) Read More |
| Church network urges UN to press ahead with East Timor prosecutions |
| A network of Christian organisations and churches has called on the United Nations to take responsibility for the indictment of Indonesian military officers accused of crimes against humanity in East Timor. (CIIR 18 Mar. 2003) Read More |
| Appeals over acquitted East Timor suspects to be filed next month, court says |
| Prosecutors plan to soon appeal a string of verdicts acquitting Indonesian police and military officers accused over the violence that swept East Timor (news - web sites) during its break from Indonesia in 1999, a court spokesman said Monday. (AP 17 Mar. 2003) Read More |
| Old grievances fester as the justice system stalls |
| In the mist of East Timor's central mountains, Florindo Soares explains why he helped kill his neighbour's brother 25 years ago. Outside the schoolhouse, a bird of prey circles majestically over a lake backed by lush rainforest, like an omen. (SCMP 13 Mar 2003) Read More |
| Bright hopes, bitter reality: East Timor after independence |
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Small boys play on a rusting warship off Dili harbour, the detritus of war that has become their home. On the beach, men scavenge for rubbish they can use or sell. (SCMP 13 Mar 2003) Read More
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| Presidential Decree: Nomination of DR. Claudio de Jesus Ximenes as the presidentof the Court of Appeal of Timor -Leste |
| In a move to further develop and structure the Judiciary in Timor-Leste, H.E. President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão issued decree no.04/2003 of 10th March, 2003 nominating Dr.Cláudio de Jesus Ximenes as the President of the Court of Appeal of Timor-Leste.(RDTL 12 Mar.) Read More |
| Indonesian Army General Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison |
| An Indonesian general was sentenced Wednesday to five years in jail for failing to prevent two bloody attacks against civilians during East Timor's break with Indonesia in 1999. (AP 12 Mar.) Read More |
| Habibie to testify in Timor human-rights trial |
| Former Indonesian president B.J. Habibie is to testify at a human-rights court hearing cases of atrocities in Timor Leste in 1999, a report said yesterday. (AFP 11 Mar.) Raed More |
| Armed gangs represent 'real threat' to security - UNMISET |
| Armed gangs, including former anti- independence militiamen, represent a "real threat" to East Timor's security, the UN mission in Dili said Wednesday. (Lusa 5 Mar.) Read More |
| East Timor Creates New Post Of Vice Prime Minister |
| East Timor on Wednesday created a new post of vice prime minister in a bid to boost government efficiency in the world's newest nation. (AP 5 Mar.) Read More |
| Ex-Los Palos militia conditionally released |
| The Dili Special Panel for Serious Crimes has conditionally released a former Los Palos militia member after he completed two-thirds of the five year sentence for torture he received in the 2001 Los Palos crimes against humanity case.(JSMP 03 Mar.) (Indonesian) Read More |
