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Check FAQAbout Antonio
Antonio Sampaio is a journalist based in Díli, Timor-Leste. With more than 30 years’ experience in journalism (print, TV, radio and online) in a number of countries, Antonio Sampaio was until October this year the Dili bureau chief for the Portuguese News Agency Lusa, where he covered major economic, political and social affairs in the country. He has been a correspondent and reporter for several media organizations from various countries in Sydney, Jakarta, Dili, Geneva and Madrid and has been sent to cover events across other countries. In 1994/1995 he won his first journalism awards in Portugal, the Gazeta Prize and the Press Club Award for a documentary about oppression in Indonesia. He has received other awards and recognitions for his work in Timor-Leste and Spain. On August 30, 2019, he received the Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste for his service to the country. An experienced media consultant he has supported projects in Australia, Spain and Timor-Leste, he has extensive experience as a debate and conference moderator. With academic training in Asian Studies and a postgraduate degree in International Relations, he has contributed to numerous publications – including as co-author of the Lusophone Dictionary - and is regularly interviewed for his expertise. Very active in social media – particularly Facebook where he has almost 50.000 followers – Antonio has been fortunate enough to travel extensively. Loves food, cinema and books and is always available for an interesting conversation.
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For scuba divers seeking serenity, nothing beats Atauro Island
Atauro Island, a potential tourism gem for the young nation of Timor-Leste, offers one of the most biodiverse marine habitats globally, ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling, and experiencing local culture. The island's women, known as 'mermaids of Timor-Leste,' traditionally spearfish to provide for their families. The First Atauro Festival, promoted by President José Ramos-Horta, highlighted the island's traditions, including a race among the female divers. Marine conservationists have recognized Atauro's waters for their exceptional biodiversity. The island also hosts an annual festival celebrating the betel nut harvest, featuring traditional storytelling and cultural practices. Despite its troubled history as a prison island, Atauro is now a peaceful community with a growing population and a mix of Protestant and Catholic faiths. The island remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, offering a serene and uncrowded diving experience.
Timor-Leste withdraws candidacy for UN Human Rights Council
Timor-Leste has withdrawn its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council for the 2024-2026 period, aligning with ASEAN's endorsement of Indonesia as the sole candidate. This decision comes as Timor-Leste works towards full ASEAN membership, currently holding observer status. The country will participate in its first ASEAN Coordinating Council meeting in Jakarta to outline the membership process, with Foreign Minister Adaljiza Magno representing Timor-Leste.
Timorese President Goes to Singapore to Strengthen Bilateral and Economic Relations
Timorese President Ramos-Horta is visiting Singapore to enhance bilateral and economic cooperation, focusing on attracting investments and preparing for Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership. He emphasizes the need for a five-year transition period for full ASEAN integration and highlights Singapore's support in human resource training. Ramos-Horta also addresses internal challenges in Timor-Leste, including bureaucratic obstacles and issues with the justice sector affecting foreign investors like Telemor. He calls for improvements in the business environment to attract more investments.
It is our obligation, the duty of the Timorese, to write our history
Luis Cardoso, a prominent Timorese writer, emphasizes the importance of Timorese literature in preserving the nation's history. He discusses his personal journey, the significance of his works, and his recent return to Timor-Leste after nearly a decade. Cardoso highlights the role of literature in exorcising the past and shaping the future, and he encourages young Timorese to engage in writing. His visit includes receiving a significant honor from President José Ramos-Horta and engaging with students to inspire a new generation of writers.
Timor. Government approves land registry code
The Timorese government has approved a new Land Registry Code aimed at enhancing property rights registration with a focus on transparency and security, which is expected to boost the real estate and financial markets. The decree-law, presented by Justice Minister Manuel Cáceres, is seen as a significant step for land law and economic development, contributing to peace, stability, and justice for landowners. The government has already conducted training sessions for registry officials, addressing the complex land ownership issues stemming from various historical periods. The new law will be sent to the President for promulgation.
Timor. Presidente considera relação com o mar um dos maiores desafios
Timor-Leste's President Francisco Guterres Lú-Olo emphasized the country's relationship with the sea as a major national challenge, requiring prioritized state action without resource duplication. He highlighted the approval of a functional model for the Maritime Authority, supported by the Naval Component, to better serve national interests. On the 20th anniversary of the Naval Component of the Timor-Leste Defense Forces, he stressed the need for a well-equipped, agile, and flexible naval organization. He also called for a balanced Military Programming Law and acknowledged Australian support in enhancing maritime security and infrastructure.
President of the Timorese Parliament Declares Confirmation of Electoral Law
The President of the Timorese Parliament, Aniceto Guterres Lopes, confirmed the electoral law despite opposition contestation. The law, previously vetoed by President José Ramos-Horta, was approved with 37 votes in favor, 22 against, and 2 abstentions. The government, represented by Miguel Pereira de Carvalho, expressed surprise at the President's objections, which halted 11 proposed amendments aimed at improving the electoral process. The debate highlighted disagreements over the interpretation of constitutional norms and the practical implications of the proposed changes, including the creation of parallel voting centers and measures to support voters with disabilities.
Timor-Leste. CNRT points to indications of electoral fraud in legislative elections
The CNRT has identified over 70 irregularities in vote tabulation across Timor-Leste, which they plan to submit to the Ministério Público for investigation. They allege potential political interference by the Ministério da Administração Estatal and criticize the Secretariado Técnico de Administração Eleitoral for issues in disseminating municipal tabulations. The CNRT emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation to improve future electoral processes.
Commercial flights between Australia and Timor-Leste start after years of charters
A new regular flight route between Australia and Timor-Leste has been launched under the Air Services Agreement ratified last year. Qantas will operate three weekly flights, increasing to five in June, complementing Airnorth's existing services. This development is expected to strengthen economic, cultural, and personal ties between the two countries, offering more affordable travel options and boosting tourism and investment. The initiative is seen as a significant step in Timor-Leste's economic recovery post-pandemic.
Timor. Tomada de posse de novos deputados timorenses a 22 de junho
The new Timorese deputies will take office on June 22, following a decision made during a meeting of parliamentary leaders. Duarte Nunes of CNRT confirmed the date, noting it was a compromise between the current majority's preference for a later date and the President's request for an earlier one. The parliamentary rules require the new deputies to be sworn in within 15 days of the validation of election results, which was published on June 5.
Timor. KHUNTO asks for vote of 'peace and stability' and believes to be the 3rd force
KHUNTO, a political party in Timor-Leste, is advocating for peace and stability in the upcoming elections, rejecting past accusations and focusing on future development. José Naimori, the party's top advisor, emphasized the importance of unity and peace, particularly among the youth. The party aims to increase its parliamentary representation and has formed a pre-election agreement with Fretilin and PLP to maintain a governing platform. Manuel Tilman, a former leader of KOTA, supports KHUNTO's goals and rejects claims that martial arts groups are responsible for violence. The campaign concludes on May 18.
Candidature of two Timorese electoral coalitions for the legislative elections
The Timorese Court of Appeal has not received any requests for the formation of the Frente Ampla Democrática (FAD) and PDRT-APMT coalitions, as confirmed by Deolindo dos Santos, the court's president. José Belo, president of the National Election Commission (CNE), has called a meeting with representatives of the two coalitions to address the issue. The electoral calendar required coalitions to be formed and presented to the CNE by March 5, with the registration published on March 8. The deadline for submitting candidate lists to the Court of Appeal is March 15. The court has until March 25 to verify the candidacies before the final list is published on March 29.
Swimmers with Down Syndrome Are Healthier and Physically Fit than Their Untrained Peers
Competitive swimmers with Down syndrome exhibit healthier body composition and higher physical fitness levels compared to their untrained peers. The study involved 33 individuals with Down syndrome, comparing 18 competitive swimmers to 19 untrained individuals. Swimmers showed lower body fat percentages, higher lean body mass, and better performance in physical fitness tests. The findings suggest that competitive swimming can counteract obesity tendencies and improve strength, speed, and balance in individuals with Down syndrome. The research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and highlights the importance of physical activity for this population.
Timorese government proposes former Attorney General as new anti-corruption commissioner
The Timorese government has approved a proposal to appoint José da Costa Ximenes as the new Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (CAC) for a four-year term. The appointment requires an absolute majority from the National Parliament. Ximenes, who previously served as Attorney General for eight years until April 2021, was honored with the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste in May 2017. The law mandates that the CAC Commissioner be chosen from citizens with judicial or prosecutorial experience, public defenders, lawyers, or jurists of recognized merit, police officers, or investigation technicians with over five years of professional experience, and recognized for their independence and impartiality.
Census of Timorese Abroad Between February and March
The Timorese government has approved the calendar for the electoral census process abroad, which will take place from February 24 to March 24. Diplomatic missions and consular posts will handle the preparation and submission of voter lists electronically. The period for displaying and contesting the lists will be from March 27 to 31, with synchronization of the electoral census system occurring from April 1 to 11. The number of registered voters will be published by April 12, 2023. The STAE is accelerating preparations for the legislative elections in May, including updating voter rolls and considering new voting centers abroad. The process has been ongoing since the 2022 presidential elections, with 878,656 voters registered by the end of December.
Resources threatens defamation lawsuit against president of Timor GAP
Timor Resources is considering a defamation lawsuit against António José Loiola de Sousa, president of Timor GAP, for comments he made accusing the company of lacking knowledge, experience, or funds. The dispute, which has been ongoing since 2019, escalated when Timor Resources sent a formal Dispute Notification in August 2021. Despite the dispute, Timor Resources has continued its onshore oil exploration project in Timor-Leste, with an investment of $60 million since 2017. The company expects to start production at two wells by the end of 2023, having confirmed significant oil and gas reserves. The government of Timor-Leste granted exploration and production licenses to Timor Resources in 2017, covering an area of about 2,000 square kilometers. The disagreement centers on the interpretation of consortium partners' rights and obligations, particularly regarding exploration financing.
Regarding Kanye West: Bipolar Disorder, the Disease of Exaggerations
Bipolar disorder, previously known as 'manic-depressive psychosis,' is characterized by alternating or simultaneous symptoms of mania and depression. Manic symptoms include elevated mood, increased self-esteem, and rapid speech, while depressive symptoms involve extreme sadness and loss of interest. These exaggerated states can lead to social isolation and strained relationships. In the arts, hypomanic states can result in exceptional works, as seen in historical figures like Van Gogh. The text highlights the challenges and occasional benefits of bipolar disorder, particularly in creative fields.
Timor: The numbers of the largest presidential elections ever
The upcoming presidential elections in Timor-Leste are set to be the largest ever, with 16 candidates, 859,613 registered voters, and 1,500 voting stations, including locations in five foreign countries. The process involves significant mobilization of state employees and international observers from organizations like the European Union and CPLP. The capital, Díli, will have the highest number of voting stations. Special provisions are made for voters unable to travel to their registered municipalities. The government has granted a public holiday to facilitate voting.
Timor-Leste records more 231 cases and Dili new daily maximum
Timor-Leste has registered 231 new SARS-CoV-2 infections, with the capital city of Dili reaching a record high of over 200 infections in a 24-hour period, according to authorities.
Afghan Cities Become Key Battlegrounds
Afghanistan's cities, once considered relatively secure, have become key battlegrounds in the ongoing conflict, driven by the Taliban's expanded territorial influence, a disintegrating political settlement, and rapid urbanization. The Taliban's shift to urban warfare has led to increased violence, including targeted killings of civil society activists and journalists. The fragile Afghan government struggles with corruption and crime, exacerbated by the influence of strongmen and militias. The international community's inconsistent stance on corruption and support for strongmen further complicates the situation. The deteriorating urban security environment poses a significant threat to the central government's control and legitimacy.
Policing in Rio: Beyond Confrontation?
Recent changes in crime-fighting tactics mandated by Brazil’s Supreme Court have raised questions about the effectiveness of Rio's militarized policing approach. The first half of 2020 saw a significant increase in police-related fatalities, with 3,148 people killed by police, marking a 7% rise from the same period in 2019. Additionally, the number of police officers killed rose by 24%, and overall violent deaths in Brazil increased by 6%, despite stay-at-home restrictions.
Why slums will struggle amid the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the vulnerabilities of slum dwellers, who lack basic public services like water and sanitation. Urban governance failures exacerbate the spread of infectious diseases, with slums becoming critical battlegrounds in regions like sub-Saharan Africa. The pandemic highlights the need for improved urban policies and public health measures, as well as innovative municipal responses to mitigate socio-economic impacts. Organizations like the Pan American Health Organization and UN-Habitat emphasize the importance of local government interventions to address these challenges.
Brazilian Organized Crime Is All Grown Up
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro's approach to combating crime, which includes greater gun ownership and reduced penalties for police violence, overlooks the more significant issue of organized crime. Organized crime groups, particularly the First Capital Command (PCC), have grown in power and influence, controlling drug trafficking routes and causing violence, including prison riots with high fatalities. These groups exert control from within prisons, affecting public security policy and challenging state authority. Despite some progress in defining organized crime legally and improving intelligence coordination, Bolsonaro's repressive policies may worsen violence and fail to address the root causes of crime in impoverished urban areas.
The New Frontlines Are in the Slums
Urban warfare has become a defining characteristic of Middle East conflicts, with cities serving as battlegrounds for protracted and brutal conflicts. The article highlights the shift from rural to urban warfare, noting the strategic use of cities by nonstate armed groups for funding, camouflage, and resistance against government forces. It discusses the impact of urban conflict on civilian populations and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for governments and militaries to prioritize the rehabilitation of urban services to prevent long-term instability and underdevelopment.
The New Frontlines Are in the Slums
The article discusses the increasing trend of urban warfare in the Middle East, highlighting cities like Aleppo, Raqqa, Mosul, and Hodeida as key battlegrounds. It examines how nonstate armed groups use cities for strategic advantages, blending in with the population and utilizing urban infrastructure. The piece underscores the humanitarian and developmental crises resulting from prolonged urban conflicts and stresses the importance of rehabilitating urban services to prevent long-term instability. The International Committee of the Red Cross advises against using explosive weapons in densely populated areas to mitigate civilian harm and infrastructure damage.
Forget its ousted politicians. Here’s the real cost of Brazil’s corruption.
Brazil's sweeping 'Car Wash' anti-corruption probe has implicated members of the Brazilian elite, including former presidents and a senator. Beyond the political drama, the real cost of corruption in Brazil includes damage to national infrastructure, socioeconomic development, business confidence, and foreign policy. Corruption has diverted resources from addressing poverty and inequality, with rigged procurement processes favoring elite interests. Despite this, the resilience of Brazil's younger generation of prosecutors, judges, and Federal Police agents offers hope for a stronger bond between anti-corruption efforts and the fight against poverty and inequality.
Shifts in Brazil underworld augur rising violence
Brazil's largest and most violent gang, First Capital Command, dominates São Paulo, while its main rival, the Red Command, controls the slums of Rio de Janeiro. In January, multiple gangs collaborated to attack police and infrastructure in Ceará. The article explores the evolution of organized crime in Brazil, highlighting the role of transnational organized crime in perpetuating social injustice and structural violence. The First Capital Command has transformed from a human rights advocacy group to a major violent non-state actor, significantly impacting public security and state sovereignty in Brazil and beyond.
How Brazil’s Left Destroyed Itself
The Brazilian Senate has voted to impeach President Dilma Rousseff, marking a significant fall for both her and the ruling Workers’ Party, which has governed Brazil for 13 years. The party, once seen as a beacon of hope for its anti-poverty and anti-corruption promises, is now embroiled in the largest corruption scandal in the country's history. Rousseff's tenure, tainted by association with corruption, has led to a crisis of confidence in Brazil's political system. The Petrobras scandal, involving billions siphoned into political accounts, has further damaged the party's credibility. The Federal Police and judiciary have gained public trust as they pursue the investigation, which will shape the future of Brazil's democracy.
How Brazil’s Left Destroyed Itself
The Brazilian Senate has voted to impeach President Dilma Rousseff, marking a significant downfall for both her and the ruling Workers’ Party, which has governed Brazil for 13 years. The article details how the party, once seen as a beacon of hope for its anti-corruption stance and anti-poverty programs, became embroiled in the largest corruption scandal in the country's history. Rousseff's tenure was marred by scandals, including the mensalão and Petrobras, which severely damaged her reputation and the party's credibility. The crisis has led to a broader loss of trust in Brazil's political institutions, with the Federal Police and judiciary emerging as new heroes in the fight against corruption.
The Political Hangover from Brazil’s World Cup Defeat
Brazil's devastating 7-1 World Cup defeat to Germany has sparked political fallout, with violent protests erupting in São Paulo and Belo Horizonte. The government has increased security measures, fearing renewed activity from the anarchist Black Bloc movement. The defeat has intensified middle-class demands for reform, highlighting economic and political grievances. The upcoming general election adds to the volatility, with President Dilma Rousseff's campaign seeking to mitigate the impact of the loss. The article underscores the link between soccer and broader societal issues in Brazil.
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