DILI, 29 May 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, in a meeting on Thursday, approved the draft Decree-Law presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service, Longuinhos Monteiro, regarding the Organic Law of the National Strategic Intelligence Service.
With the enactment of this legislation, Decree-Law No. 3/2009 of January 15th, which established the former National Intelligence Service (SNI – acronym in Portuguese), will be revoked to enhance the State’s ability to respond to complex and emerging threats, including acts of terrorism, sabotage, espionage, transnational organized crime, threats to critical State infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
The National Strategic Intelligence Service (SNIE – acronym in Portuguese) is a specialized government agency responsible for producing and evaluating strategic intelligence, as well as coordinating and supervising the national intelligence community to ensure an integrated and efficient approach to national security.
“Among the primary innovations introduced by the new decree are the establishment of specialized structures, such as the National Cyber Security Directorate and Integrated Border Management Posts; the enhancement of data protection and information compartmentalization, with specific rules governing the operation of the Data Processing Centre; and the provision for limited but legally permissible action in circumstances of flagrante delicto or danger in delay, as stipulated by the existing criminal and criminal procedural legislation,” Government said in a statement.
With the reform of this institution, the Government reaffirms its commitment to consolidating the rule of law, defending national sovereignty, and modernizing Timor-Leste’s strategic security instruments in line with international standards and the demands of the current context.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
