East Timor's Deputy Justice Minister appeals to escaped prisoners to turn themselves in

ETLJB 06 November 2013 - Following the breakout of dozens of prisoners from East Timor's Becora prison last Sunday, the Deputy Minister for Justice, Ivo Jorge Valente, has called on prisoners who are still on the run to turn themselves in to the authorities.

Minister Valente said the authorities would treat the prisoners properly based on the human rights standards and human dignity.

"For the prisoners who are still on the run who turn yourselves in, no one can violate your rights and we will dignify you based on the human rights standards,” he said.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao who appeared in Becora jail after the escape of 24 prisoners called on all the people to remain calm and called on the prisoners who were still on the run to return to the prison. Twenty four prisoners escaped from Becora Jail on Sunday (3/11) after a ceremonial mass in the prison. Source: Televizaun Timor-Leste 4 November 2013 Edited by Warren L. Wright