On amnesty by CTF

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Thu, 07/26/2007 11:55 AM | Opinion

This is a comment on the article, UN criticizes amnesty provision at T. Leste hearing, The Jakarta Post, July 23, p. 2.

Amnesty is only provided for those who are proven to have committed a certain crime and should come after a tribunal's judgment.

The Indonesia-Timor Leste Commission on Truth and Friendship (CTF) is not a tribunal, and moreover it is not an international tribunal for crimes being discussed.

So, the body has no legal power to provide any amnesty. How does it recommend amnesty for someone while there is no trial process?

They must be kidding! The CTF may possibly recommend someone for trial. If that person is found guilty following the decision by the tribunal, then a proper state institution may call for amnesty.

The UN is right. Hopefully, the commission members understand not to mix politics with justice. Again, amnesty is only to be given when there is justice. That is what we may call a JUST process.

LAHALO
Dili, Timor Leste

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