19 October 2013

The application of suspended prison sentences in cases of domestic violence in Timor-Leste

ETLJB 19 October 2013 - On 18 October 2013 JSMP will present an exclusive debate on the theme ‘The application of suspended prison sentences in cases of domestic violence – expectations and challenges’.

This debate aims to enhance understanding about the implications of applying suspended prison sentences in cases of domestic violence and also to explore other appropriate punishments set out in the applicable law such as imprisonment, fines or community service in order to reduce incidents of domestic violence.

This debate is a means to disseminate information to the wider community regarding the issue of suspended prison sentences in cases of domestic violence. The debate will take place at Hotel Timor, Dili, from 3.00-5.00 pm.

The following guest speakers will share their opinions during this debate: the Judge Administrator of the Dili District Court, Dr.  Duarte Tilman, the Prosecutor-General of Timor-Leste, Dr. Jose Ximenes and the Director of JSMP, Dr. Luis de Oliveira Sampaio.

This debate will involve a limited number of participants such as lecturers and students from the Faculties of Law from UNPAZ, UNTL, UNDIL, UNITAL and representatives of civil society/NGOs who work towards the prevention and eradication of gender based violence such as FOKUPERS, ALFeLa, and AATL, the umbrella organization for private lawyers.

This debate aims to reveal expectations and institutional challenges faced by judicial actors in relation to the sentencing policy applied in cases of domestic violence, especially the tendency to suspend prison sentences.

In addition, the debate aims to explore practical challenges that are encountered and to develop other alternatives to ensure that appropriate punishments are handed down against perpetrators of domestic violence to prevent and reduce domestic violence in the future.

“JSMP believes that through this program we will be able to understand the judiciary’s views regarding a policy of handing down more adequate punishments in cases of domestic violence, which is a public crime according to the applicable law”, said the Executive Director of JSMP, Luis de Oliveira Sampaio.

JSMP would like to encourage all parties to actively contribute to strengthening the justice sector and legislation in Timor-Leste to ensure and guarantee that all people can live with legal protection and can obtain justice when their rights are violated.

JSMP would also like to express its deep gratitude for the donor support provided by the Norwegian Embassy that has made this program possible. Source: JSMP Press Release 17/10/2013 Edited by Warren L. Wright

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