 |
| Lucia Lobato |
According to an English translation of a report in the leading daily newspaper, Suara Timor Lorosae, yesterday (13/12/2012) not only did the Court of Appeal uphold the decision of the Dili District Court regarding the conviction, it also increased the original sentence from 3 and a half years to five years (although earlier reports had stated that the original sentence was 5 years).
The Dili District Court found the former Justice Minister guilty of corruption in the administration of a government project tender that cost the state $97,350.
Ms Lobato was a member of the Social Democratic Party in the IV Constitutional Government (the Parliamentary Majority Alliance) headed by resistance leader and Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao.
The Social Democratic Party was wiped off the political scene in East Timor in the 2012 legislative election.
When the press released the allegations of corruption, she attempted to suppress the media when she filed court proceedings against the newspaper alleging that she had been defamed.
Ms Lobato is a qualified lawyer. Her full name is Lucia Maria Brandao Freitas Lobato and she was born on 7 November 1965 in Likisa.
Related reports
Convicted former Justice Minister Lucia Lobato still not in prison
Timor Justice Minister considers appeal
Lobato ‘Ready to Explain Truth’ as Corruption Trial Begins
Anti-Corruption Commission applies for house arrest of Justice Minister Lobato
East Timor Justice Minister Lobato Defends Husband
Public Prosecution presents new witnesses for Minister Lobato's case
Former East Timor justice minister receives jail sentence
Parliament removes Minister Lobato’s political immunity
CJITL: Minister for Justice Lucia is Formally Made Suspect in Maternus Bere Case
Perversion of the rule of law in Timor-Leste and its impact on State legitimacy
Author: Warren L. Wright BA LLB. References: Suara Timor Lorosae 13 December 2012
1 comment:
It is reprehensible that leaders betray the trust of office and the trust of their impoverished people by corruption.
Finally there is some justice in Timor
Post a Comment