DILI, 1 december 2021 (TATOLI) — The National Parliament of Timor-Leste, through its extraordinary plenary session on tuesday, had approved resolution No.83/V(4a) to establish Max Stahl Award.
“The resolution was approved with 48 votes in favor and no abstention, and the establishment of the Max Stahl Award was officially established. Therefore, Committee A will prepare the regulations for the implementation of the Award within 90 days,” the President of the National Parliament (PPN) made the announcements at the National Parliament, on tuesday.
The National Parliament initiated the resolution for the establishment of the Max Stahl Award to honor the national heroes, who died at the Santa Cruz Massacre, in 1991, in Dili.
In addition, the idea of establishing the award also aims to strengthen the freedom of expression in the country.
“Thus, the Resolution was presented for the discussion and it is now approved at National Parliament. With the discussion of the 2022 General State Budget, we will allocate some budget for the implementation of this award next year,” he said.
Max Stahl’s footage, taken as Indonesian soldiers fired the bullets on thousands of young Timorese people, marching towards Santa Cruz Cemetery, brought the suffering of Timorese people to the world.
He was granted Timorese citizenship in 2009, in honor of his significant contribution to the nation’s independence.
The idea of establishing the award aimed at keeping up the spirit and courage of Max Stahl and those heroes who died at the Santa Cruz Cemetery in 1991.
The Committee A of the National Parliament would discuss the rules for the implementation of the Award.
MP António da Conceção from the Democratic Party said the initiative of establishing the Max Sthal Award was important to promote the contribution and the solidarity of the international community during Timor-Leste’s 24-year resistance.
In addition, Antonino Bianco from Fretilin party considered the award was deserved to be established: “We also need to consider the contribution and sacrifices made by other journalists for the independence of the nation.”
Journalist: Nelson de Sousa
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
