Istoria Timorense: Peticionario Sira: Demo Abril 2006 - Gastao no Kolegas

Breaking News: Ramos-Horta Pardons Attackers

President Jose Ramos-Horta 2008

The President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos-Horta has pardoned for FALINTIL-FDTL officer Gastao Salsinha and his colleagues and the members of now deceased rebel leader Major Alfredo Reinado, including (Marcelo Caetano and Amaro Susar).

Gastao Salsinha Surrenders Weapons 28 April 2008, President Ramos-Horta watches.

Marcelo Caetano (left) with Major Alfredo Reinado (deceased) Gleno Ermera 2007.

Ex-FALINTIL and former PNTL member of Reinado group - Amaro Susar waves on his surrender

Salsinha was the Spokesman for the FALINTIL-FDTL Petitioners in 2006-2008.  The Petitioners were known and the group of "594" although their members were much less.  This group left the defence force protesting conditions of service in the defence force and east-west discrimination.  The resulting protests degraded into violence the now infamous Crisis of 2006 started on 28 April 2006, lasting until the death of Major Alfredo on 11 February 2008 when he Salsinha and colleagues lead attacks on President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.  Ramos-Horta was badly wounded while Gusmao escaped unhurt.

Ironically the pardon was published in the Government Gazette on 20 August 2010 FALINTIL day - the 35th Anniversary of FALINTIL.

Salsinha had been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment following been found guilty of leading the attack on Prime Minister Gusmao's convoy in Dare on the morning of 11 February 2008.  Just before that attack Major Alfredo Reinado was responsible for leading armed men to the house of President Jose Ramos-Horta. During the firefight Alfredo was killed and Ramos-Horta was shot several times and evacuated to Darwin.  Later on Ramos-Horta claimed to have been shot by Timorese followers in Alfredo's group.

Despite being published in the Gazette Salsinha remains in Becora prison pending an official court order being issued to the prison authorities.

Timor-Leste is a country in which there has been some considerable political interference in court decisions - even by President Ramos-Horta.

On 30 August 2009 Timor-Leste released Maternus Bere former leader of 1999 Laksaur militia. This was a decision which caused a great deal of criticism from civil society.  The Prime Minister was called to speak and be questioned by the National Parliament, the Minister of Justice was investigated.  Ordinary people show some considerable dislike, "I think the law is only valid for those who steal a chicken, and not for those who commit crimes against the state or against humanity,' said Abilio Lopes a University student in Dili.

President Horta defended his decision stating "The Petitioners and Salsinha were victims as well.  So after some discussions with the Government and Opposition Leaders I have decided to end the 2006 problem."

Jose Belo, Director Tempo Semanal Called to Court on 11 February 08 Case

TEMPO SEMANAL TVThe Dili District Court has instructed Tempo Semanal Director Jose Antonio Belo to testify on the case 11 of Fevruary 2008 in which Major Alfredo Reinado was killed, President Ramos-Horta seriously injured, and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao attacked. The court sent two subpoenas to appear before the Court.  Upon receiving the first Jose Antonio Belo refused to appear before the Court, invoking his rights as a journalist to protect his sources.  Upon receiving the second notification Jose Antonio Belo appeared before the court on 27 November 2009. The court room was packed with suspects in regards to the 11 February 2008 case, including Timorese born and Australian raised Angela Pires.  Mr. Belo took the witness stand with a microphone at hand.  Leading Judge Basmeri asked Mr. Belo why he does not want to cooperate with the judicial system; Mr. Belo says that he is prepared to cooperate  as long as the process is not in breach with the professional journalists' code of ethics.

 

Subsequently, the Prosecutor Dr. Filomeno Cardoso and the Braziilian Defence Lawyer argued over whether a journalist should or not be required to present their evidence to the court. Dr. Cardoso insisted to put questions to Mr. Belo and he has right to refuse to answer questions if he wishes to.

 

However, the defence counsel suggested that the law which protected the right not to give any testimony before the court by religious people, health workers, bankers, lawyers and alos journalists was applicable to the matter.

 

When Dr. Basmeri asked Mr. Belo whether he is willing to give testamony Mr. Belo replied that, "As a journalist I don't want to breach my code of ethics so I refuse to give any testimony but if it's necessary I think the government and the law workers have to change the law then I can come and give my testimony here." The Judge let Mr. Belo go without providing any testimony to the court.

 

In April 2008 Jose belo was notified to appeared before the criminal police investigors to be investigated over his involvement regarding an interview with Gastao Salsinha by phone while he was on the run. The story was produced by Mark Davids from SBS Dateline programme.

Trial 11 Fev 2008, Attack on President and PM Timor-Leste

Tempo Semanal TV

Angie Pires, Gastao Salsinha Marcelo Caetano and 26 other appear to Dili District Court to commence trial for attacks on President and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste 11 February 2008 - 13 July 2009