FHT Meets with Minister of Justice to Discuss Draft Cybercrime Law
On April 25, 2025, the Executive Director of the Hadomi Timor Foundation (FHT), Abrão Monteiro Nicho Linux, together with the FHT team (Yohanes Dos Santos, Albertina Kikilay and Afonso), held an important audience with the Minister of Justice HE Dr. Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, at the Office of the Minister of Justice Caicoli, Dili.
The meeting aims to strengthen collaboration between civil society and government especially on the issues of elaboration of Cyber Crime Law, Digital Rights, Digital Security and inclusive and resilient digital development.
In this meeting, FHT Executive Director Mr. Nicho Linux officially presented and delivered FHT’s Report entitled Digital Inclusion Situation in Timor-Leste especially Hadomi Timor’s perspective on the Digital Environment, current challenges and Strategic Recommendations for a safer and more inclusive digital future.
FHT also expressed its official opinion on the Draft Cyber Crime Law, offering constructive feedback and recommendations to support the Ministry of Justice in elaborating and forming a strong, fair and aligned law with the Constitution of Timor-Leste and international conventions. The meeting discussed some key articles in the draft law such as Damage to Programs and Data, Computer Sabotage, Illegal Access, Data Seizure, Covert Action, International Cooperation, Protection of Personal Data, Online Fraud, Pornography and Cyber Threats Related to Artificial Intelligence.
The hearing also discussed the importance of aligning the draft law with international standards, ensuring respect for human rights and avoiding overly broad provisions that could restrict freedom of expression and access to information. His Excellency Dr. Sérgio Hornai and FHT Executive Director Mr. Nicho Linux together with National Director of Legal Advice and Legislation Dr. Nelinho Vital and the FHT team agree that the Draft Cyber Crime Law specifically targets cyber threats posed by computer means and advanced technologies to national security, state data and information sovereignty while guaranteeing and safeguarding freedom of expression, access to information and communications in the digital space freely and securely. In addition, FHT and the Ministry of Justice also agreed on investment in digital infrastructure, human resources, education and digital literacy to raise awareness and resilience.
Minister Dr. Hornai also said that the Ministry of Justice remains open to dialogue and discussion with Civil Society Organizations especially FHT in advocacy on digitalization issues and committed to work together to build a strong digital legal ecosystem and promote digital rights, protect users and ensure national security in the digital era, because digital connectivity projects will increase. submarines and satellite networks, where a variety of legal frameworks are needed to balance cyber threats and crimes.
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