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."

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

EXCLUSIF: Shooting of Ramos-Horta: Marcelo Caetano Fingered in Court as Shooter.

Marcelo Caetano, ex-Petitioner, identified in court on 15 July 2009 as the man who shot President Ramos-Horta on 11 February 2008

















Caetano with now deceased Alfredo Reinado in Ermera, Timor-Leste 2007.

According to testimony in the case of 11/o2/08 shooting of President Ramos-Horta today in Dili District Court; F-FDTL Second Sargent, Isaac Da Silva, was accompanying President Ramos Hortas acompany on his morning walk on 11/02/08.

He was promoted on September 25th 2008 to First Sargeant, because of his aid to the President.

In front of the judges, prosecutors and lawyers around 17.00 hours Timor-Leste time on 15 July 2009 he was asked to identify the person who shot the President of Timor-Leste. Da Silva said Marcelo Caetano is the one who shot the President. He continued that Caetano had covered his face but his eyes were exposed. "I recognise him by his eyes and the way he stands."

The Da Silva was asked by the Judge to point out Caetano and with no voice but with confidence he did so. The court authority asked how does he know Caetano and Da Silva said they both are friend since they were in the army together. The court finished before 19.00 hours and at 18.35 Isaac left the court room in a realxed manner. Caetano was handcuffed with fellow acused Amaro "Susar" da Costa and were lead out the court, with big smiles waving to their familes. families.