DILI, 10 january 2022 (TATOLI) – The General- Prosecutor, Afonso Lopes informed that Timor-Leste recorded more than 5.000 criminal cases in 2021.
The Prosecutor-General, Afonso Lopez made the comments after having a meeting with the President of the Republic Francisco Guterres ‘Lu Olo’ at the Palace of the President in Dili, on monday.
“From january 1 to december 31, 2021, Timor-Leste recorded 5.135 criminal cases. The public prosecutors and judges put a lot of effort to finalize a total of 5.189 cases. This year we have 2.749 pending criminal cases compared to 2.824 cases in 2021. It means that the Public Prosecutors, Judges, and relevant entities boosted their productivity to have more criminal offenses judged in 2021 than the previous years,” he said.
Lopez said his party will reveal the type of criminal offense with a high number of cases in 2021.
“Next week, we will have an annual meeting with all prosecutors. These prosecutors will present their annual report and after that, we will know the common criminal offenses with a high number of cases in 2021,” Lopes said.
He said according to article 133 (4) of the Constitution of the Republic Democratic of Timor-Leste, the Prosecutor-General shall be accountable to the Head of State and shall submit annual reports to the National Parliament.
Lopes added that: “In performing their duties, Public Prosecutors shall be subject to legality, objectivity and impartiality criteria, and obedience toward directives and orders as established by law.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
