DILI, 05 December 2025 (TATOLI) – Justice Minister Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai participated in the 15th International Congress of Ministers of Justice in Rome, Italy, on 1–2 December 2025.
The event brought together government officials, judicial leaders, and international organisations to discuss justice sector policies and the global movement to abolish the death penalty.
The congress, organised by the Community of Sant’Egidio under the theme “Without life, there is no justice,” provided a platform for exchanging experiences and reaffirming international commitments to humanised justice systems grounded in human rights principles.
During the plenary sessions, Minister Sérgio Hornai reiterated that Timor-Leste does not apply the death penalty or life imprisonment, in line with the Constitution and the Penal Code, and reaffirmed the country’s firm stance against capital punishment.
He also highlighted the existence of clemency mechanisms, including commutation and pardons granted by the President of the Republic, which aim to promote social reintegration.
Hornai emphasised that Timor-Leste, which “recently became the 11th ASEAN Member State,” is “committed to promoting the abolition of the death penalty at the regional level.”
He stressed that Timor-Leste will continue to encourage dialogue and cooperation with other states to eliminate the practice and strengthen justice systems that uphold the right to life and human dignity.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
