DILI, 05 May 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, said Timor-Leste must develop its laws in order to reflect its unique reality.
The Head of State made the statement on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Inspector of the Public Defender’s Office, Sebastião Amado Nheu Ribeiro de Almeida, held in Balide, Dili, today.
In his remarks, Horta stressed the importance of developing the laws that appropriately reflect Timor-Leste’s unique reality rather than simply adopting legislation from other countries.
Horta, therefore, encouraged learning from external references while creating a legal framework specifically tailored to national circumstances.
The Head of State also highlighted the vital role of the Timor-Leste Public Defender’s Office in supporting citizens who lack the financial means to access justice, adding that it would ensure ordinary citizens receive support when bringing their cases to court.
The President praised the positive evolution of Timor-Leste’s judicial sector, noting significant progress while highlighting the absence of a Supreme Court of Justice. “I believe the time has come for us to establish the Supreme Court. We should aim to have it operational by 2026,” stated President Ramos-Horta.
TATOLI
