06 November 2013

Dili District Court admonishes perpetrator of domestic violence

ETLJB 06 November 2013 -  On 28 October 2013 the Dili District Court admonished the defendant JCC for committing the crime of domestic violence against his nephew.

The public prosecutor alleged that on 28 June 2011 the defendant slapped the victim twice and kicked the victim three times. This case allegedly occurred because the victim could not find the defendant’s jacket.

In relation to this case, the public prosecutor charged the defendant for violating Article 145 of the Penal Code regarding ordinary offences against physical integrity as well as Article 35 of the Law Against Domestic Violence.

“Domestic Violence is violence involving family members who live together and have a relationship of dependence. This case demonstrates that domestic violence is not only restricted to those in a spousal relationship, but includes those who are living together within certain conditions and the perpetrator of domestic violence will be brought before the courts, as occurred in this case”, said the Executive Director of JSMP, Luis de Oliveira Sampaio.

During the trial the defendant admitted all of the evidence and expressed regret and stated that they have reconciled in accordance with customary practices which included providing compensation of one cow.

Based on the evidence provided, as well as the mitigating circumstances, the court decided the matter and issued an admonishment against the defendant and asked the defendant to not reoffend in the future.

The trial was presided over by judge Antonino Gonçalves. The Public Prosecution service was represented by Nelson de Carvalho and the defendant was represented by Manuel Amaral (trainee) from the Office of the Public Defender. Source: JSMP Press Release 28 October 2013 Edited by Warren L. Wright

Related post
Domestic violence continues to plague East Timorese society with 514 cases registered so far in 2013
The application of suspended prison sentences in cases of domestic violence in Timor-Leste


No comments: