East Timor’s Myanmar war crimes case puts Asean non-interference to the test
The case, which alleges abuses in Myanmar’s northwestern Chin state, is now under consideration by the courts in Dili
Brought by the Chin Human Rights Organisation (CHRO), the case is expected to shed light on whether a small nation with its own history of occupation and atrocity can use its courts to examine grave allegations against a fellow Asean member’s military rulers.
CHRO executive director Salai Za Uk Ling told This Week in Asia that the case had advanced to the judicial phase following the appointment of a senior prosecutor, adding that victim representatives had recently submitted questions of law for judicial determination and were now under the court’s consideration.
“As with any complex international criminal proceedings, progress is measured through legal procedure rather than political timelines,” he said.
“We respect the independence of the Timorese judiciary and remain encouraged by its continued engagement with the case.”