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Dili, July 8, 2022
Press Release
Timor-Leste welcomes the Australian Government’s decision of dropping the prosecution against Bernard Collaery
The 8th Constitutional Government congratulates the decision announced yesterday by the Australian Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus, to discontinue the prosecution of Mr Bernard Collaery, four years after he was accused of divulging confidential information about Australia’s alleged spying operation in Timor-Leste.
The Attorney-General, Hon. Mark Dreyfus QC MP, in announcing the decision expressed that it took into account the “commitment to protecting Australia’s national interest, including our national security and Australia’s relationships with our close neighbours “.
The Government of Timor-Leste acknowledges and appreciates the contribution of Mr Bernard Collaery and his client, a former spy known as Witness K, in the process that established the definitive maritime boundaries between Timor-Leste and Australia in the Timor Sea, culminating in the signing of the treaty between the two countries on March 6th, 2018.
Timor-Leste also celebrates and acknowledges the contribution of the Australian people who, over time, have supported and contributed to the closure of this prosecution and to reaching the maritime boundary delimitation agreement with Australia.
The Spokesperson of the Government, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães, on behalf of the Council of Ministers and the entire Government, congratulates the Australian Government for this fair decision and asserts that this rectification of the error previously committed will contribute to further deepen the friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The 8th Constitutional Government, led by Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, is committed to building a prosperous future, in which Australia is an irreplaceable partner. END