Media Releases
- 29 of May of 2025Government Announces that Arnolfo Teves Jr. Has Already Been Deported and Handed Over to Philippine AuthoritiesPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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May 29th, 2025
Press Release
Government Announces that Arnolfo Teves Jr. Has Already Been Deported and Handed Over to Philippine Authorities
The Government informs that Filipino citizen Arnolfo Teves Jr. was deported today, May 29, 2025, by administrative decision of the Ministry of the Interior, and is already in the custody of the competent authorities of the Republic of the Philippines.
This decision stems from the finding that the citizen in question was in the country without a valid visa, without legal authorisation to remain, and with a passport that his country of origin had revoked. The measure is based on national legislation on migration and asylum and is justified by the risks that this citizen's continued presence poses to public order and national security.
Arnolfo Teves Jr. faces several criminal charges in the Philippines, including 13 counts of murder, 13 counts of frustrated murder, and 4 counts of attempted murder, related to crimes committed between 2019 and 2023, including the murder of the then Governor of Negros Oriental, Roel Degamo.
The Government also informs that Teves Jr. cannot be sentenced to death, as Law No. 9346 of the Republic of the Philippines abolished capital punishment. Even if it were to be reinstated, it could not be imposed in this case, as it cannot be applied retroactively.
Arnolfo Teves Jr. shall not be subjected to any form of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, or cruel punishment, in accordance with Section 19, Article III of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 9745, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Convention against Torture, to which the Republic of the Philippines is a signatory.
The Philippine authorities also guarantee that throughout the criminal proceedings, Teves will have the right to be informed of the charges against him once they have been presented to a court, to have a competent and independent lawyer of his choice, to a fair, impartial, and public trial, to confront prosecution witnesses, and to compel the attendance of witnesses and the taking of evidence on his behalf.
Through this decision, the Government reaffirms its determination to ensure that Timor-Leste is not used as a refuge by individuals escaping international justice. It restates its commitment to the principles of the rule of law, respect for international norms of cooperation between States, and the safeguarding of security and stability, not only within its national territory but also across the Southeast Asia region, in collaboration with the joint efforts of ASEAN member states. END - 29 of May of 2025Note of Condolence on the death of Professor Barbedo de MagalhãesPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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May 29th, 2025
Press Release
Note of Condolence on the death of Professor Barbedo de Magalhães
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Professor António Barbedo de Magalhães, at the age of 82, a prominent figure in Portuguese higher education and a tireless advocate for the Timorese cause during the Indonesian occupation.
With a PhD in Applied Sciences from the University of Ghent, Belgium, and as Professor Emeritus at the University of Porto, Barbedo de Magalhães has been involved with Timor-Leste since 1974, when he completed his military service in the territory and coordinated a project aimed at restructuring education in Timor to facilitate eventual independence in the medium term. During the Indonesian occupation, he dedicated himself to advocating for the self-determination of the Timorese, raising awareness of their reality among the academic community and international public opinion.
He was a member of the Commission for the Rights of the Maubere People, the Peace and Justice Association for Timor-Leste, and the Organising Committee of the Jornadas de Timor (Timor Days) at the University of Porto. He organised conferences on Timor-Leste in several countries and published seven books, along with hundreds of articles on the country's political history.
In recognition of his actions in defence of the rights of the Timorese, he was awarded the Order of Infante D. Henrique by the Portuguese State in 2000, as well as the Order of Timor-Leste by the Timorese State in 2012.
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, emphasises that “Professor Barbedo de Magalhães was a tireless voice in defence of Timor-Leste, a staunch ally in the most difficult times, and a committed promoter of our history and aspirations. The Timorese are eternally grateful for his commitment, solidarity, and friendship.”
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and academic community, with deep respect for the legacy of António Barbedo de Magalhães. His memory will endure in the history of our country and in the hearts of all who fight for justice and dignity for all peoples. END - 29 of May of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 29th 2025Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 29th 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service, Longuinhos Monteiro, regarding the Organic Law of the National Strategic Intelligence Service.
With the enactment of this legislation, Decree-Law No. 3/2009 of January 15th, which established the former National Intelligence Service (SNI – acronym in Portuguese), will be revoked to enhance the State's ability to respond to complex and emerging threats, including acts of terrorism, sabotage, espionage, transnational organised, crime, threats to critical State infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
The National Strategic Intelligence Service (SNIE – acronym in Portuguese) is a specialised government agency responsible for producing and evaluating strategic intelligence, as well as coordinating and supervising the national intelligence community to ensure an integrated and efficient approach to national security.
Among the primary innovations introduced by the new decree are the establishment of specialised structures, such as the National Cyber Security Directorate and Integrated Border Management Posts; the enhancement of data protection and information compartmentalisation, with specific rules governing the operation of the Data Processing Centre; and the provision for limited but legally permissible action in circumstances of flagrante delicto or danger in delay, as stipulated by the existing criminal and criminal procedural legislation.
With the reform of this institution, the Government reaffirms its commitment to consolidating the rule of law, defending national sovereignty, and modernising Timor-Leste's strategic security instruments in line with international standards and the demands of the current context.
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The draft proposal for a National Parliament Resolution regarding the ratification of the Agreement through the exchange of diplomatic notes between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the Government of Malaysia on the exemption from visa requirements for all types of passports (diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary) has also been approved. The ratification of this agreement aims to further deepen existing relations, facilitate tourist exchanges between the two parties, and fulfil the commitments made by Timor-Leste in the context of its full accession to ASEAN.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution presented by the Ministry of Justice regarding the appointment of permanent and alternate members of the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office.
Considering that of the four members of the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office, one member and their respective alternate are appointed by the Government from among national citizens of recognised merit, holding a law degree and enjoying full civil and political rights, who, at the time of appointment, are not judicial magistrates or magistrates of the Public Prosecutor's Office. Considering that the previous members appointed by the Government to the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office have completed their term of office, the Government has decided to appoint Virna Lorença de Carvalho as a permanent member of the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office and Timótio de Deus as an alternate member of the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office.
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The draft decree-law presented by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, which establishes public subsidies for both public and private higher education institutions operating in Timor-Leste, was also approved.
The primary objectives of this decree-law are to enhance the quality of higher education and promote the financial sustainability of institutions. This grant seeks to encourage the ongoing improvement of teaching, infrastructure, and technological conditions in higher education institutions. The awarding of this grant is contingent upon compliance with stringent quality and institutional performance criteria defined by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture.
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Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão presented the planned activities for World Oceans Week, which will occur from June 1st to 8th, as part of the celebration of World Oceans Day, observed annually on June 8th. The programme includes sports, cultural, and awareness-raising activities aimed at protecting the oceans nationwide, with a particular emphasis on coastal municipalities.
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The Prime Minister also delivered a presentation on the current status of the preparation of the Blue Economy Policy and Action Plan – Promoting a Resilient and Sustainable Blue Economy in Timor-Leste (2025–2030).
This policy aims to promote a new paradigm of economic development centred on the sustainable use of marine resources, while also contributing to the improvement of living conditions for populations and the preservation of ecosystems. It is founded on a set of integrated policies and actions focused on the sea, which seek to bolster the country's economic and social development through sound environmental practices, in a diversified, sustainable, and inclusive manner, ensuring the long-term balance of ecosystems and marine resources.
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Lastly, the draft Government Resolution presented by the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, was approved, establishing the creation of an interministerial task force responsible for implementing the recommendations contained in the ASEAN Chair's Statement issued at the 46th ASEAN Summit. This task force aims to complete the necessary formal procedures and expedite negotiations on the main economic agreements essential for Timor-Leste's full accession to the organisation, which is scheduled for October 2025. END - 28 of May of 2025Government Considers that the Presence of a Fugitive in Timor-Leste Compromises Security and the National InterestThe Government of Timor-Leste believes that the presence of Filipino citizen Arnolfo Teves Jr. in its territory, who is suspected of having committed several serious crimes and has been formally charged by the judicial authorities of the Republic of the Philippines – a member country of ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – represents a serious and unacceptable situation.more
- 22 of May of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 22nd 2025Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 22nd 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and analysed the presentation by the office of the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, along with the Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL), Helder Lopes, regarding the political and legislative options concerning the Law Proposal on the General Regime of the Financial System and Banking Activity.
The proposal currently under consideration aims to establish a new legal framework for the operation of the national financial system, promoting stability, confidence, and efficiency within the banking and financial sector in Timor-Leste. The future regime also seeks to align national legislation with international principles of supervision and regulation to establish more robust conditions for the development of a modern, dynamic, and inclusive economy.
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The Council of Ministers has decided to authorise the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to appoint Avelino Maria Coelho da Silva and José Manuel Gonçalves as Timor-Leste Commissioners to the Greater Sunrise Supervisory Board.
This body is entrusted with the strategic oversight of the Greater Sunrise Special Regime, operating within the framework of the Maritime Boundary Treaty between Timor-Leste and Australia. The appointees, acknowledged for their integrity and extensive experience, will represent Timor-Leste in strategic decision-making, in collaboration with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, to uphold the national interest and ensure the proper implementation of the Treaty.
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The draft Law Proposal regarding the Pesticides Law, presented by Marcos da Cruz, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, was also approved.
This law proposal aims to regulate, throughout the national territory, the licensing, import and export, production, sale and distribution, use, packaging, and disposal of pesticides, including agricultural pesticides, at all stages of their life cycle. The objective is to protect human, animal, and plant health, the marine and terrestrial environment, and to promote sustainable agricultural production in Timor-Leste.
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Lastly, the Council of Ministers has decided to authorise the extension of the consultancy supervision services under Lot 1 of the Baucau–Venilale road project, and Lot 2, Venilale–Viqueque, until January 31st, 2026. This extension entails an increase in the contract value from US$5.78 million to US$6.73 million, representing an approximate increase of US$954,000. END - 19 of May of 2025Right of reply to the article “Pardons, appointments and slaps in the face: the hand of Timorese political power reaches the judiciary” – published by the newspaper Expresso on May 18th, 2025Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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May 19th, 2025
Right of reply
Right of reply to the article “Pardons, appointments and slaps in the face: the hand of Timorese political power reaches the judiciary” – published by the newspaper Expresso on May 18th, 2025
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, through the Spokesperson's Office, hereby exercises its right of reply to the article published by the newspaper Expresso on May 18th, 2025, entitled “Pardons, appointments and slaps in the face: the hand of Timorese political power reaches the judiciary”, in accordance with the law.
This article contains factual inaccuracies, relevant omissions, abusive associations, and speculative assertions that misrepresent the institutional and legal realities of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. Furthermore, Expresso has yet to publish the prior right of reply submitted by the government regarding the article dated May 13th, which evidently contravenes the right of reply as stipulated in the press law.
1. Expresso did not publish the previous right of reply
Despite Expresso having received the Government of Timor-Leste's right of reply regarding the article dated May 13th in a timely manner, it did not publish this response. This represents a clear violation of the legal provisions governing the right of reply, as well as the ethical responsibilities associated with the practice of journalism.
2. Inaccuracies and factual errors
l Mari Alkatiri is not the president of Fretilin, as stated; he is, in fact, the secretary-general of that political party.
l The assertion regarding the potential granting of a pardon to the Vice Prime Minister lacks foundation. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay has not been convicted of any crime and, consequently, is not legally eligible for a pardon. It is important to note that pardons are an exclusive prerogative of the President of the Republic as stipulated by the Constitution and are applicable solely to individuals who have been convicted by a sentence that has become final.
l The replacement of the former Attorney General, Afonso Lopes, occurred as a result of the conclusion of his term of office, and the Deputy Attorney General was appointed as his successor. There was neither resignation nor institutional breakdown, contrary to the implications of the article.
3. Who's to blame for the shortage of judges?
The alleged shortage of judges primarily arises from the failure to conduct inspections and evaluations of first-instance judges over several years, which has compromised the judiciary's standard operational capacity. This neglect of evaluations can be partially attributed to the inadequacy of judicial advisory services during that period. To assert that such inspections did not take place is categorically inaccurate.
4. The late judge at the Court of Appeal has not been replaced
The article indicates that the Court of Appeal has experienced a reduction of fifty per cent in its membership. In reality, only one judge from that court passed away six years prior and was not replaced, which has contributed to maintaining a low and even number of judges, subsequently hindering its regular operation. The exclusion of this information serves to mislead the reader.
5. Appointment of the President of the Court of Appeal in accordance with the Law
The appointment of Judge Afonso Carmona as the President of the Court of Appeal was executed in accordance with Law No. 4/2025, which was sanctioned by the National Parliament and enacted by the President of the Republic. Consistent with the practice regarding all preceding presidents of the Court of Appeal, the appointment falls under the jurisdiction of the Head of State, and there exists no statutory obligation for the appointee to be a member of the Court itself or to possess first-class status.
Moreover, the regulation stipulating that the President of the court shall be elected by his peers is exclusively applicable to the Supreme Court of Justice, which has yet to be established.
6. Pardons and legal changes – misinterpretation
The assertion that a potential pardon for former priest Richard Daschbach results from amendments to the Judicial Organisation Act is erroneous and unfounded. The pardon process, as delineated in the Constitution, is not contingent upon the Court of Appeal or the Attorney General's Office. The endeavour to associate this matter with recent legislative modifications is speculative and inaccurate.
7. Endeavour to undermine the credibility of the Prime Minister.
The inclusion of the episode that occurred in Oe-Cússe involving the Prime Minister within the same article is unrelated to the matter of justice or the principle of separation of powers. It constitutes a clear attempt to undermine his personal credibility, devoid of any institutional or legal connection to the core content of the news item. The claim that such facts “violate the separation of powers” is baseless and lacking in legal rigour.
8. Non-existent right to be heard and a negligent approach
Once again, Expresso asserts that it sought clarification from the Timor-Leste delegation in Brussels, disregarding the official institutions located in Dili, such as the Government and the Presidency of the Republic. This perplexing and recurring choice indicates a lack of diligence in reporting and a deliberate intention to circumvent the fundamental right to be heard. Furthermore, the article entirely neglects the acknowledgement of the right of reply that was previously submitted and is also publicly accessible on the Government's official platforms.
9. The appointment of Lukeno Alkatiri was executed by the former President of the Republic.
The article discusses the replacement of Lukeno Alkatiri from the Superior Council of the Judiciary without providing the necessary context that he was appointed in 2022 by the then-President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres Lú-Olo, who concurrently held the positions of Head of State and President of Fretilin.
It is also important to note that this appointment occurred just a few days prior to the second round of the 2022 presidential elections, a notably sensitive moment from an institutional perspective. Nevertheless, it did not receive public criticism from those who now allege political interference in analogous appointments.
The exclusion of this context by Expresso indicates a tendency towards biased reporting and adds to an imbalanced narrative, implying political interference solely when it aligns with the editorial stance of the article.
Conclusion
The article published by Expresso on May 18th, 2025, presents a biased and erroneous narrative predicated on unverified assertions, omissions of context, and a disproportionate reliance on anonymous sources. The content of this article undermines the external perception of the stability and legitimacy of Timor-Leste's democratic institutions.
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, the separation of powers, and adherence to the Constitution. Moreover, it firmly rejects any attempts to exploit the media to manipulate justice or to politically interfere with legitimate institutional actions.
Expresso is hereby requested to publish this right of reply in its entirety, affording it the same level of prominence as the article in question. Additionally, it is requested that Expresso publishes concurrently the previous right of reply, which has yet to be published, in compliance with applicable Portuguese law.
Dili, May 19th, 2025
Government Spokesperson's Office
Presidency of the Council of Ministers
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
- 16 of May of 2025Right of reply to the article “Financial scandal causes constitutional crisis, Xanana Gusmão's Government accused of wanting to control the judiciary” – published by the newspaper Expresso on May 13th, 2025Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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May 14th, 2025
Right of reply
Right of reply to the article “Financial scandal causes constitutional crisis, Xanana Gusmão's Government accused of wanting to control the judiciary” – published by the newspaper Expresso on May 13th, 2025
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, through the Spokesperson’s Office, exercises its right of reply to the article published by Expresso on May 13th, 2025, entitled "Financial scandal causes constitutional crisis, Xanana Gusmão's Government accused of wanting to control judiciary".
This article contains several factual inaccuracies, serious omissions, unfounded interpretations, and relevant errors that must be corrected to uphold the truth and defend Timorese democratic institutions.
1. Misleading and sensationalist title
The article announces a "financial scandal" and a "constitutional crisis" without presenting any concrete facts to support these claims. At no point does the article demonstrate that there is a current financial scandal, nor does it prove the existence of any constitutional violation. It is a sensationalist and speculative formulation that seeks to attract attention at the expense of truthfulness and journalistic rigour.
2. Attempt to control the judiciary - unfounded
Reference is made to an "apparent attempt to control the judiciary" with the aim of pardoning individuals, including the Vice Prime Minister, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay. This allegation is absurd and unfounded:
The authority to grant pardons is an exclusive prerogative of the President of the Republic, not the Court of Appeal.
Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay has never been convicted of any crime and is therefore not in a position to be pardoned. On the contrary, the refusal of his ministerial appointment by the previous President of the Republic, without any formal charge or judicial process underway, was widely regarded as a violation of the principle of separation of powers and of the Constitution;
Richard Daschbach has no connection to the Government, and the attempt to associate his name with an alleged strategy of interference in the judiciary is profoundly irresponsible.
3. False statement about replacing all the judges of the Court of Appeal
The article states that "all the judges of the Court of Appeal have been replaced." This statement is factually incorrect and deeply misleading. No judge was dismissed or removed. What has occurred is merely the appointment of a new President of the Court of Appeal, following the expiry of the previous President's term of office and in accordance with the legal and constitutional terms in force.
Additionally, the former President of the Court of Appeal, Dr. Deolindo dos Santos, was appointed a few days before the new President of the Republic took office, which at the time raised legitimate questions about the institutional appropriateness of this decision. In contrast, the current appointment occurred in a regular and transparent manner, following a smooth transition at the end of the mandate, based on legislation approved by the National Parliament and enacted by the President of the Republic.
It should also be made clear that although the Court of Appeal will provisionally exercise the competences attributed to the future Supreme Court of Justice, it is not the Supreme Court of Justice. Therefore, the election rules for that court, namely the internal election of its president by his peers, do not apply to it.
Throughout the Constitution's existence, all Presidents of the Court of Appeal were appointed by the sitting President of the Republic, in accordance with the law. Thus, the appointment of the current President of the Court of Appeal adheres to the same institutional practice established since Timor-Leste's independence.
4. Citation of unidentified and legally weak opinions
The text mentions a legal opinion that allegedly declares the appointment of the new President of the Court of Appeal to be unconstitutional, without, however, identifying the article of the Constitution that would have been violated. On the contrary, Law 4/2025, approved by the National Parliament and enacted by the President of the Republic, clearly states that until the Supreme Court of Justice is established, it is up to the Head of State to appoint the President of the Court of Appeal, provided that he or she has served in the judiciary for at least 20 years – a requirement that Judge Afonso Carmona fully meets, according to official data published in the Official Gazette.
Additionally, the article suggests, without providing any evidence, that the Court of Appeal itself requested the opinion—a claim that is not publicly documented and, if true, would be highly questionable.
5. Veiled attempts to incite instability
The article alludes to the possibility of "popular demonstrations or uprisings" on Independence Restoration Day, without any real evidence to support this claim. This insinuation is irresponsible and lacks a factual basis, especially at a time when Timorese institutions are functioning normally and in an environment of social peace. There are no indicators of any disturbance to public order, and the appointment of the new President of the Court of Appeal occurred calmly, with total respect for the legal order.
6. Serious factual error about the date of independence
It is stated that Independence Day is celebrated on May 28th. This information is incorrect. Timor-Leste's Restoration of Independence occurred on May 20th, 2002, a date officially enshrined in the Constitution and recognised as a national holiday.
7. Non-existent right to be heard and dubious sources
Expresso claims to have attempted to contact the government through its delegation in Brussels. It is difficult to understand why an official response was not sought from the government bodies in Dili or from the Presidency of the Republic, which holds the power of appointment. This failure in the right to be heard significantly undermines the article's credibility.
The article also repeatedly refers to anonymous and vague sources — such as “judicial sources”, “military sources”, “unofficial sources”, or “a source close to the matter” — without any effort to verify or contextualise the information. When not accompanied by institutional counterpoints or direct contradictions, this practice promotes a biased and politically slanted narrative and compromises the impartiality and seriousness of journalistic content.
Conclusion
The article published by Expresso on May 13th, 2025, presents factual errors, biased interpretations, and relevant omissions that harm public understanding and misrepresent the external perception of Timor-Leste's democratic institutions' regular and legitimate functioning.
The new President of the Court of Appeal was appointed in accordance with legislation approved by the National Parliament, fully complying with the Constitution and Timorese institutional practices since independence.
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the independence of the judiciary. It rejects any attempt to politically instrumentalise the justice system.
Expresso is therefore requested to publish this right of reply in full, with the same prominence given to the original article, for the sake of balance, transparency, and journalistic accountability.
Dili, May 14th, 2025
Office of the Government Spokesperson
Presidency of the Council of Ministers
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste - 16 of May of 2025Day off on May 19th, 2025, on the occasion of the celebrations of the 23rd anniversary of the “Restoration of Independence”the Prime Minister, through Order No. 13/PM/V/2025, of May 16th, determines the followingmore
1 - A day off is granted on May 19th, all day.
2 - This order applies to all officials, agents, and workers engaged in the State's direct administration services, whether central or decentralised, or within bodies of indirect administration.
3 - The human resources of public services that, due to the nature of their activities, must remain operational during that period, are exempt from the previous paragraph.
4 - Without prejudice to the continuity and quality of the public services to be provided, the top managers of the services mentioned in the previous paragraph must promote an equivalent exemption from the duty of attendance for their respective human resources on a day to be determined in due course.
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