DILI, 20 february 2026 (TATOLI) – The Council of Ministers on Wednesday approved a draft National Parliament resolution proposal to ratify the ASEAN Extradition Treaty, aimed at strengthening legal cooperation among member states in combating transnational crime.
The proposal was presented by Minister of Justice Sérgio Hornai, who signed the treaty alongside ASEAN counterparts at the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting in Manila on 14 november 2025.
“The Treaty establishes the principles and procedures for extraditing persons sought for the purposes of prosecution, trial, or the service of a sentence, defines the offences subject to extradition, sets out the mandatory and discretionary conditions and grounds for refusal, and specifies the applicable procedural and humanitarian guarantees,” the statement said.
The ASEAN Extradition Treaty is intended to enhance regional legal cooperation and facilitate the surrender of individuals wanted for criminal proceedings or sentencing among participating states.
Once approved by the National Parliament, the treaty will provide Timor-Leste with a strengthened legal framework for cooperation with ASEAN partners in addressing cross-border crime.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
