Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao last month revoked the visas of eight foreign judges and anti-corruption officials, and terminated the contracts of all foreign justice workers, in resolutions passed during two closed sessions of parliament.
“The recent actions […] pose a serious threat to the fact and appearance of the independence of the Timor Leste Judiciary,” said president of the Northern Territory Bar Association, Alistair Wyvill SC. He had just returned from a three an observer visit to the East Timor capital Dili,
Insider reports, he claims, suggest that the actions were intended to protect government ministers now under investigation for corruption. Local justice officials have reported threats to their safety.
UN special rapporteur Gabriela Knaul said the move could further result in the suspension of trials in cases of serious crimes, including against humanity, since the law requires the involvement of international judges in these proceedings.
