Government expresses deep sorrow over the passing of Minister of Justice Amândio de Sá Benevides
Presidency of the Council of Ministers
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Government expresses deep sorrow over the passing of Minister of Justice Amândio de Sá Benevides
It is with great sadness that the Government of Timor-Leste received the news today, January 20, 2024, of the unexpected death of the Minister of Justice, Amândio de Sá Benevides.
Born on July 16, 1964, in the municipality of Ainaro, Amândio de Sá Benevides distinguished himself as a lawyer, making a significant contribution to legal development and the promotion of human rights in Timor-Leste.
After completing his studies in constitutional law at Nusa Cendana University in Kupang, Indonesia, in 1990, Benevides returned to Dili, where he practiced law from 1991 to 1993. From 1993 to 1999, he served as a civil servant, undertaking various courses in public administration and management during this period.
During the United Nations Transitional Administration (UNTAET), he became one of the first Timorese Public Prosecutors, taking office under Administrator Sérgio Vieira de Mello in February 2000. He was appointed Assistant Attorney General for Ordinary Crimes on October 16, 2001, a position he held until 2005.
In 2005, he completed a postgraduate course in Anti-Corruption Studies at Hong Kong Space University in the People's Republic of China.
From 2005 to 2010, he held the position of Deputy Ombudsman at the Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ).
In 2017, he received commendation from the President of the National Parliament, Adérito Hugo da Costa, for his work as a legal advisor to his Cabinet, recognizing "excellent and qualified collaboration and the competence, dedication, zeal, and loyalty manifested in the exercise of those roles, the result of a vast and relevant career as a jurist in various areas of law."
On July 1st, 2023, he was sworn in as Minister of Justice in the IX Constitutional Government.
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, expresses his "deep sorrow for the loss of a prominent jurist and dedicated public servant." He extends his "sincere condolences to the bereaved family and all Timorese who share this moment of mourning. Amândio de Sá Benevides will be remembered not only for his professional competence but also for his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights in Timor-Leste." END
