The Government of Timor is in the news this week after ordering the immediate expulsion of 50 foreign court officials, among them five Portuguese judges, one prosecutor and one PSP official.
Citing “motives of force majeure” and the need “to protect national interest”, the decision has been interpreted as a tactic by the former Portuguese colony to shield its government members from investigation for corruption. Foreign affairs minister Rui Machete has said Portugal “deplores” the expulsions.
