DILI, 13 May 2026 (TATOL) — The Council of Ministers approved a draft government resolution on measures to strengthen public safety and prevent violence in the country.
This decision follows recent weeks’ incidents of violence across the country, involving groups of young people and causing serious consequences for citizens’ physical safety, private property, and the stability of affected communities.
These incidents took on particular gravity on May 10th in Mehara, Tutuala Administrative Post, Lautém Municipality, where a confrontation involving a group of young people may have resulted in the death of a citizen.
“The Government unequivocally and vehemently condemns all acts of violence and property destruction that have resulted in the loss of human life, physical harm to citizens, or damage to private property, regardless of who committed them or their motives,” said in a statement.
Among the measures approved, the Government reiterates the temporary suspension, throughout the country, of group activities involving the teaching, learning, and practice of martial and ritual arts, as well as the closure of venues used for such activities. This measure is exceptional, proportionate, and preventive, aimed at preventing the exploitation of these activities as a context for organising violent acts.
The Government Resolution also calls for the Timor-Leste National Police to step up patrols throughout the country, particularly in areas and at times when there are large gatherings of young people or a history of violence.
It also calls for the cooperation of community leaders, specifically Village Chiefs and Hamlet Chiefs, in reporting situations covered by the suspension of activities related to martial arts and ritual arts.
Municipal authorities, the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno, and the Administrative Authority of Ataúro must ensure the immediate communication of this information to the competent police authorities.
The Resolution further mandates that police authorities continue and expedite ongoing investigations into incidents of violence that have already occurred, and that the perpetrators be held accountable in accordance with the law.
TATOLI
