Convicted former Justice Minister Lobato evacuated from prison to National Hospital

ETLJB 11 May 2013 - Diario Nacional reported on 7 May that the former Minister for Justice Lucia Lobato, who has been convicted on corruption charges and sentenced to 5 years jail, has been evacuated urgently to the Guido Valadares National Hospital of  on the grounds that she is suffering from high-blood pressure.

Lobato's Lawyer, Jose Camoes, is reported to have said he did not know what his client was suffering from; therefore his client has been evacuated to HNGV for medical treatment.

"We evacuated her to HNGV to identify her illness during her imprisonment so that she can be diagnosed. The medical staff at the hospital will provide a report and are expected to recommend that she receive medical treatment abroad," he said.

Lucia's uncle, Rogerio Lobato, who was convicted of crimes arising out of the illegal distribution of state weapons to civilians during the 2006 crisis, was also granted leave to go overseas for medical treatment. He was eventually pardoned.

Some in East Timor are more equal before the law than others.

 Source: Diario Nacional 07/05/2013. Edited by Warren L. Wright

Related reports
Rogerio Lobato Returns to Timor-Leste
President's wife visits jailed former Justice Minister Lucia Lobato as lawyers plan to seek executive sentence reduction
Chief Justice takes case against Fretilin MP to Public Prosecutor
Justice minister sues East Timor newspaper
Former Justice Minister Lucia Lobato to go to jail for 5 years
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
Prime Minister assumes powers of the Minister of Justice