National Police Action Against Protesting Teachers Sparks Outrage Today!

The PNTL Second Commander Tearing Down Banners and Seizing Other Demonstration Materials.

In early 2024, the Ministry of Education in Timor-Leste terminated the contracts of numerous teachers, many of whom had served for over a decade. This decision led to a wave of peaceful demonstrations by affected educators, demanding justice and reinstatement.

On February 12, 2024, during a protest outside the Ministry of Education, the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) detained ten teachers, citing the lack of a required permit. Among the detainees were both male and female educators who voiced their frustration over being ignored by authorities. The incident ignited discussions on labor rights, freedom of assembly, and the overall state of education in the country. Although the Law on Freedom of Assembly and Demonstration requires only prior notification to the police, its interpretation has led to restrictions on peaceful protests, as seen in the detentions of teachers.

Source: Media RTTL

The situation remains tense. Today, March 26, 2025, a small group of teachers gathered in front of the Government Palace to continue their protest. However, members of the National Police (PNTL) suddenly intervened, tearing down banners and seizing other demonstration materials.

A 34-minute video circulating widely on social media shows teachers condemning the actions of PNTL Task Force Second Command in Dili, Mr. Armando Leite, who reportedly tore up pamphlets, banners, and physically pushed teachers attempting to present their demands to Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/4011cc_62e7e7179072469997f7d07c2d553843/480p/mp4/file.mp4

In their statement, the teachers denounced these actions as inhumane and unconstitutional, violating Article 42 of the RDTL Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. They are now calling on the General Commander of PNTL and the Attorney General’s Office for Human Rights (PDHJ) to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

Despite these challenges, the teachers remain determined. Their demonstration, scheduled from February 3 to December 31, 2025, will continue at the following locations:

1. Ministry of Education

2. Government Palace

3. Civil Service Commission

   
   

"We will never surrender," the teachers declared, vowing to persist in their fight for fair justice and recognition of their rights.

Media Laloran Tasi Mane

26 Marco 2025