Dili, September 10, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Fundasaun Mahein (FM) calls on the competent authorities to continue the investigation into the Terezinha Cardoso case in Covalima, in accordance with the applicable legal process, with the objective of establishing the full facts, identifying the material and intellectual perpetrators, and locating and recovering the victim’s mortal remains.
The Executive Director of Fundasaun Mahein, Nelson Belo, stated that following the first interrogation hearings held on September 2 and 3, 2026, the court ordered detention, including preventive detention, for four suspects, based on substantial evidence indicating alleged involvement in the homicide.
“FM requests that the investigation continue according to legal process, including efforts to establish the full facts, identify any material and intellectual perpetrators, and locate and recover the victim’s mortal remains,” Nelson Belo told journalists at a press conference this Wednesday.
The alleged homicide of Citizen Terezinha Cardoso on June 24, 2026, in Covalima, adds to the list of cases related to allegations of misuse of firearms and violence by state security agents over the years.
Likewise, on August 15, 2026, a police member allegedly shot and killed a young man in Uatucarbau, Viqueque Municipality. These incidents continue to be a public concern, particularly regarding the use of force and the accountability of state security agents.
Nelson Belo also stated that in 2018, three people were killed and four others seriously injured due to shooting by a police member in Kuluhun, Dili. In 2021, two people were killed and another seriously injured in Lahane.
“In January 2022, six members of the Maritime Police Unit (UPM) in Covalima were involved in a confrontation with civilians, which resulted in the death of one young person. At that time, FM argued that violence and indiscipline within the PNTL is an ongoing serious problem that threatens not only public security, but also the legitimacy of the state,” he emphasized.
In addition, FM expressed concern about disciplinary processes related to alleged brutality by state security agents, because there is still no clear evidence of institutional lessons implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He said that the Terezinha Cardoso case raises serious questions and concerns among the public, especially because of allegations that state security agents were involved in the alleged homicide of a civilian citizen, while state institutions have a mandate to protect the lives and security of citizens.
“This raises fundamental questions about the circumstances and motives behind the alleged homicide, including why state security personnel could be involved in such acts and what factors may have contributed to the incident,” he explained.
According to FM, the absence of the victim’s body or mortal remains creates significant concerns about the completeness and credibility of the investigation. Therefore, the competent authorities need to clearly establish all the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and alleged death of the victim.
These matters remain unresolved, and require a transparent, credible, and comprehensive investigation, in order to provide clear answers to the victim’s family and to the public of Timor-Leste.
FM considers these concerns to be a strong call for authorities to carry out comprehensive reform in Timor-Leste’s security sector.
“This case shows the urgent need to strengthen safeguards against abuse of authority and to ensure that security institutions remain accountable under the law and to the citizens they are mandated to protect,” he said.
Therefore, Fundasaun Mahein recommends:
- Ensure a prompt, impartial, and transparent conclusion to the investigation and judicial process for the 2026 case, in accordance with applicable procedures and laws.
- Continue all legal investigation efforts to locate and recover Terezinha Cardoso’s mortal remains.
- Review and, when appropriate, reactivate* the 2024 case and establish any disciplinary or criminal accountability through the competent institutions.
- Ensure that security operations in border communities comply with human rights standards, legal requirements on use of force, and effective monitoring and reporting obligations.
- Conduct an independent review or audit of SNIE and UPF operations in Covalima, including command responsibility, use of force procedures, and compliance with operational protocols.
FM makes a call for solidarity to civil society, the media, the Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), and political representatives in the National Parliament to closely monitor these processes, so that the truth can come to light and justice can proceed according to law and order in Timor-Leste.
Reporting: Estefánia Cardoso
Photo: Estefánia Cardoso