Fundasaun Mahein (FM) falsely accuse Maun Boot Xanana Gusmão of interfering in justice process. The accusation is baseless and politically motivated. Instead of finding first hand information regarding the issue it chose to base its claims on secondary sources of information, many of which have been outdated. FM should have interviewed Maun Xanana to gather more credible and first-hand information, rather than falling into a political trap in believing that the visit was an act of intervention in the judicial process.
Please read: Political interventions undermine the rule of law and the fight against abuse
FM, one of the Dili based NGOs which are known to closely affiliate with the party of current PM TMR, have chosen to carefully present its reasons and subjects and avoid any mention of those closely associated with it.
FM should have also highlighted the same visit by other Nasional Leaders. As publicly reported by Tempo Timor, on 7 of February 2019, Maun Taur Matan Ruak, current Prime Minister, and his wife also paid a visit to the Ex Priest in the past or after the former was a used and defrocked from its position. In an interview, Fr. Yohanes Suban Gapun, SVD’s regional superior based in Dili, told Tempo Timor that Maun Taur has intervened personally asking him to let go of Ex Priest back to Oecusse, signaling his conviction on the innocence of the former priest.
The visits of Maun Taur and Maun Xanana were in their capacity as ordinary citizens, holding no powers in both Government and State structures. While Maun Taur made public statements during the visit, Maun Xanana made no statement.
FM should have highlighted this on its article, to make it stronger and less unbiased. As a research institution, FM should have had a thorough investigation to find out from both parties before running into a biased conclusion. It should have calculated the risks making any judgment that deserves no merit at all.
Weather the visit was merely a political move or not, is subject to the influence it may have. But in doing so, FM also undermines our justice system as well as the Timorese judiciary in general.
To the best of my knowledge, the presence of Maun Xanana was to comply with court’s order and as a good citizen and a charismatic leader he has the obligation to collaborate with justice sector in the court proceedings.
FM should be aware of the fact that the case is at the stage of “presumedly innocent” fase and until the final decision is made by the court, everyone is innocent. Valid confession is the one made in the court, not the one done behind closed doors.
MBX’s appearance at the court should not be considered as intervention in the justice process. Such allegations shows no respect to the integrity of the court itself.