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A New Approach to Restorative Justice – East Timor’s Community Reconciliation Processes

Burgess, Patrick
June 4, 2015

Source: (-0001) In Naomi Roht-Arriaza and Javier Mariezcurrena, Ed., Transitional Justice in the Twenty-First Century, Beyond Truth versus Justice. Cambridge, New York: Cambridge University Press. Pg. 176 – 205.

“The 24-year-long conflict and military occupation of East Timor (now Timor Leste) had this destructive effect on the local culture. Divisions were deep; anger was high, violence very near, whether measured from the past or the future. In this context a number of potential mechanisms for achieving accountability were raised. An international tribunal was recommended but not established. A specific domestic tribunal was set up in Indonesia, which is widely described as a “sham.” A mixed tribunal established within Tibor Leste has succeeded in prosecuting a significant number of “smaller fish,” but cannot touch those most responsible because they reside safely in Indonesia. Into this mix was added the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR).” (excerpt)

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