New Public Prosecutor appointed in Timor-Leste

ETLJB 13 April 2013 - Dili, April 11, 2013: The Presidential Decree of 11 April 2013 appointed Jose da Costa Ximenes new Prosecutor-General of the Republic.

Commenting on the appointment of Dr Jose da Costa Ximenes, H.E. the President of the Republic, Taur Matan Ruak, said: "The appointment of Jose da Costa Ximenes was based on his professional merit. Jose da Costa Ximenes is a highly qualified professional, with an extensive experience in the area. I am sure that the work he is going to develop will be of high standard."

Mr. da Costa Ximenes is the current Dili District Attorney since 1 July 2011, and has also worked in Baucau and Covalima districts until June 9, 2009.

He holds a law degree from the University of Gadjah Mada, Jogyakarta – Indonesia, which he obtained in 1999. From 2004 until 2007 he attended the training course for prosecutors and public defenders at the Legal Training Centre in Dili.

Mr da Costa Ximenes is filling the position previously held by Ana Pessoa Pinto whose term ended on March 27, 2013.

The inauguration ceremony will be held on April 15, 2013, at 10 o’clock, at the Presidential Palace.

Ana Pessoa, a former Member of Parliament for the FRETILIN party, was appointed as prosecutor general in March 2009 and she has overseen the prosecution of several prominent politicians for corruption, including the former Justice Minister, Lucia Lobato who was convicted and sentenced to 5 years in prison.


Source: President of the Republic Press Release; Suara Timor Lorosae 12 April 2013 Edited by Warren L. Wright