DILI, 12 May 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta met with Minister of Justice Sérgio Hornai at the Presidential Palace to discuss updates on land rights and judicial reforms.
Minister Hornai presented comprehensive information on the Ministry’s progress with the national cadastral system, highlighting completed land surveys in the eastern regions and Ataúro island, with plans to finalize land titles under Law 13/2017 by 2028.
The discussion also underscored the importance of cross-ministerial coordination, particularly between the Ministry of Justice and The Ministry of Public Works, to address land-related issues effectively.
The meeting addressed Timor-Leste’s international cooperation initiatives, including collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s government on state land development projects such as student dormitories.
Minister Hornai also briefed the President on the status of 38 pardon and sentence commutation cases awaiting presidential review, emphasizing that while the Ministry provides recommendations, final decisions remain within the President’s constitutional authority.
Judicial modernization efforts were another key focus, with the Minister outlining a comprehensive legislative package addressing cybercrime, cybersecurity, and personal data protection that aims to update the Penal Code to address emerging digital challenges.
The President acknowledged the Ministry’s commitment to judicial reform and emphasized the importance of responding promptly to requests from partner nations while ensuring proper execution of Timor-Leste’s nationality processes for foreigners, whether through marriage or naturalization pathways as stipulated in Law 9/2002.
TATOLI
