Paulina Quintao – The General Prosecutor for the Republic of Timor-Leste (PGR), Jose Ximenes said that the Public Ministry submitted a proposal for amendment of the Penal Code to the Ministry of Justice to add an article criminalizing incest.
PGR Ximenes added incest is a serious problem and it needs to be given maximum attention as it affects the credibility and the dignity of Timor-Leste as a predominantly catholic country.
"After I accepted the mandate of Prosecutor General, I held discussions with legal organisations. They believe we need to make changes to the penal code. We need to add an article that criminalizes incest, whether it is consensual or not it should be a crime," said PGR Ximenes during a ceremony to launch the annual report of ALFELA organisation that provides legal assistance to women and children, in Vila Verde, Dili.
He said also the PGR's office cannot amend legislation and that is the competence of the National Parliament and of the Government but so far both institutions have not yet pronounced on the proposal submitted to the Ministry of Justice. "I urge members of parliament to pay due attention to this matter."
Meanwhile, ALFELA's Director Merlita Correia said she has concerns with this matter because the number of incest cases has increased in Timor-Leste.
"We are still working together with legal organizations including JSMP and advocating at every level so this issue is taken more seriously and so that this immoral practice is criminalized," said Director Correia.
The Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality (SEPI), Idelta Maria Rodrigues said that SEPI will coordinate with the Ministry of Justice to study the recommendations from civil society and others on the issue of incest.
"Incest is not part of the law against domestic violence therefore the Public Ministry recommended this amendment. There is a process that needs to be followed and SEPI will coordinate with the Ministry of Justice about this issue."