DILI, 10 july 2024 (TATOLI) – Virgílio da Silva Guterres ‘Lamukan’, the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, has called upon the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) to enhance their capabilities in regulating and controlling public demonstrations, rather than resorting solely to arrests and detentions. The Ombudsman made this appeal in relation to the PNTL’s action to detain former teachers who demonstrated recently.
In a statement to journalists at Hotel Timor, Guterres emphasized, “The police must possess the ability to regulate and control, not merely to arrest and detain individuals. Arresting demonstrators who are exercising their right to protest constitutes a violation of human rights.”
Highlighting the constitutional right to demonstrate, Guterres stressed that public demonstrations should be protected and managed without resorting to immediate arrests. He suggested alternative measures such as closing public spaces temporarily to prevent gatherings that could disrupt public order.
“The police can and should have the capacity to disperse gatherings if necessary, without resorting to arrests and imprisonment, as this tarnishes our country’s reputation,” Guterres remarked. “It creates a bad image for our country when teachers are taken to detention cells abroad; such occurrences are unheard of elsewhere.”
Regarding recent incidents involving teachers’ demonstrations, Guterres acknowledged efforts by the Ministry of Education and urged the government to adhere to parliamentary resolution aimed at resolving such issues lawfully.
“The Ministry and Parliament have roles to play in resolving these matters according to established legal frameworks and resolutions,” he added.
Guterres concluded by reiterating the Ombudsman’s role in advocating for the rights of citizens through dialogue and communication with relevant authorities, emphasizing that maintaining public order should not infringe upon the rights of individuals to express their political views through peaceful demonstrations.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
