BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific

September 8, 2008

Timor rights activists deplore court move to uphold presidential pardons

Radio Australia

A group of politicians and human rights advocates in East Timor are furious at a decision by the Court of Appeal not to accept their petition against the president's decision to pardon 94 criminals. Stephanie March reports.

[March, in Dili] The group, led by MP Fernanda Borges, says the decision by the court not to consider their petition strengthens impunity, weakens the people's faith in the justice system and undermines the rule of law. They are questioning whether the decision for the Court of Appeal to dump the petition highlights flaws in the republic's constitution and weaknesses in state institutions.

Earlier this year, President Jose Ramos Horta sparked outrage when he issued pardons for 94 criminals including ex-militia leader Joni Marques and former Interior Minister Rogerio Lobato, who was convicted of arming civilians in the 2006 crisis.

The UN has also criticized the president's decision, saying it doesn't promote accountability.

Source: Radio Australia, Melbourne, in English 0900 gmt 8 Sep 08

------------------------------------------
Joyo Indonesia News Service
==== ========= ==== =======


 

Back to September Menu
August
World Leaders Contact List
Main Postings Menu