DILI, 29 october 2021 (TATOLI)— Timor-Leste Charismatic Leader, Xanana Gusmão today Conveys a letter of condolences to the wife and family of late British Journalist, Max Stahl expressing his concern over his death.
In the letter, Xanana described Max Stahl as an individual and journalist who has the spirit, brave, and courage to expose injustice and history that the world needs to hear.
“It is with great sadness that I write on the passing of your beloved husband and hero of our country, Max Stahl. It was his work in Timor-Leste that changed the fate of a nation.” Xanana’s statement in the letter covey to the late family.
“When the fate of the TL people became increasingly desperate and the situation remained hidden from the world, Max exposed the oppression and brutality of the Indonesian occupation”
His footage of the Santa Cruz massacre, taken at great personal risk, was shown worldwide and became a turning point in the TL resistance struggle.
After the Santa Cruz massacre, Max makes his life’s mission to make audio-visual recordings of the history of the TL country.
In the letter, Xanana declares that The Max Stahl Audio-Visual Center for Timor-Leste preserves these memories and is an important part of TL’s cultural heritage: “Few people have made such a meaningful contribution to a nation. Max was awarded Timor’s highest civilian honor, the Order of Timor, and his contributions are widely recognized.”
Max is also loved by the people of Timor and the TL nation is currently mourning the news of his death. “I will also deeply miss Max who I greatly admire and who was an inspiration to me during some of the most difficult moments of our struggle,” Xanana underlined in his statement.
Xanana also outlined that, Max’s writings histories will always be remembered and his work will become the legacy for Timor-Leste.
“I know this must be a very difficult time for you and your family and I extend my deepest condolences as we remember Max’s life and his contribution to Timor-Leste,”
Journalist: José Belarmino De sá
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
