Justice and Reconciliation in East Timor. The Relationship Between the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and the Courts

Exploring the relationship between the East Timorese Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation and the courts requires at least a cursory look at three categories of judicial institutions relevant to the efforts to achieve accountability for the massive human rights abuses committed in the territory. The three mechanisms are a possible international tribunal for East Timor, the Indonesian ad hoc Tribunal on East Timor, and the United Nations-sponsored Special Panels established to try Serious Crimes in Dili, the capital of East Timor. The most relevant direct relationship for the Commission is with the Office of the General Prosecutor, and the Deputy General Prosecutor for Serious Crimes, particularly in reference to the right to relevant information and the conduct of Community Reconciliation Procedures for perpetrators of lesser crimes.