"(London, December 29, 2004) A law regulating demonstrations and assemblies passed by East Timor’s parliament violates basic rights to free expression and assembly, Human Rights Watch said today. President Xanana Gusmao should refuse to sign this law.

The Timorese parliament passed the law, known as the Law on Freedom, Assembly and Demonstration, in early December. Under Timorese law, President Gusmao has 30 days to sign or veto the law.

Human Rights Watch expressed particular concern with Section 5 of the law, which includes prohibitions on 'demonstrations with the intent of questioning constitutional order" and "demonstrations whose objective constitutes contempt of the good reputation and respect due to the Head of State and other officeholders of the State institutions. Human Rights Watch said that such provisions are clearly aimed at insulating public officials from criticism." Article/Comments


One commentator states, "...seems like the old economic force of OIL/gas is probably behind this, to stop any dissent on the "deal" done with the Australia/Oil Corporations of the military industrial complex.

"The fundamental problem of the transition, (Robin Taudevin, an aid worker implementing the United Nations High Commission for Refugees shelter program) believes, has been "the scant involvement of East Timorese."

"The influx of foreign investors and comparatively wealthy UN and aid workers has led to the creation of a double economy and the perception of the UN as the new colonialists in East Timor. There is strong evidence of deepening divisions among East Timorese."

"Many who were active in the struggle for independence, especially the young, have been marginalised in the influx of foreigners and returning diaspora (East Timorese formerly exiled in Australia and Portugal), and the adoption of Portuguese as the official language has locked them out of the political process and public-service employment." (Jenny Denton, Canberra Times - April 14, 2001)