Story perspectives

Justice Eludes Survivors as Timor's Militias Go Free

9/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In East Timor, 84 low-ranking militia and Timorese nationals were convicted, but none remain imprisoned.
Indonesia convicted 12 personnel for failing to prevent crimes, all later acquitted or had sentences dropped.
Only three cases of sexual and gender-based violence were prosecuted.
Professor Cohen highlighted that murder cases received priority in prosecutions.
Survivors Isa and Micaela feel justice is unattainable and express a lack of government concern.

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Story summary

In East Timor, 84 low-ranking militia and Timorese nationals were convicted, but none remain imprisoned.
Indonesia convicted 12 personnel for failing to prevent crimes, all later acquitted or had sentences dropped.
Only three cases of sexual and gender-based violence were prosecuted.
Professor Cohen highlighted that murder cases received priority in prosecutions.
Survivors Isa and Micaela feel justice is unattainable and express a lack of government concern.