12 February 2010

Political leaders continue to undermine judicial independence in Timor-Leste

Parliamentary president calls for court to find mastermind behind assassination attempt Timor Post, February 10, 2010 language source: Tetun The Parliamentary President Fernando “Lasama” Araujo has called for the court to uncover the brains behind the attempted assassination of President Jose Ramos Horta and the attack on Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão which took place on February 11th, 2008.

“I am calling for the court to uncover the mastermind of the assassination attempt on February 11, 2008,” Mr. Lasama said.

Mr. Lasama also encouraged the court to work carefully to uncover those behind the attempted assassination.

MP Francisco Branco from Fretilin also called on the court to uncover the brains behind the incident which left President Horta seriously wounded.


Fretilin calls for faster Salsinha Trial Diario Nacional, February 10, 2010 language source: Tetun A Fretilin MP, Francisco Branco, has urged the judicial system to speed
up the trial for the ex-rebel leader Gastão Salsinha.

Mr. Salsinha is accused of the attempted assassination of the Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, which took place on the 11th of February, 2008.

The case of Salsinha has taken years to reach the courts and the actual court case of Salsinha has been continuing for months.

“The trial process for the assassination attempt case is too slow. We have already spent two years on this issue, but no legal verdict has been taken taken. This seems prejudicial to the suspects who are now behind bars,” Mr. Branco said.

Branco also added that there is a public interest in this case and the Timorese people deserve a faster judicial process.


Image added by ETLJB: Artwork by Arte Moris artist.

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