The East Timor Special Panels: An Introduction

On October 25, 1999, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1272, whereby it was decided to create a UN Transitional Administration of East Timor (UNTAET). UNTAET was entrusted with overall responsibility for the administration of East Timor and allowed to exercise all legislative and executive functions, including the administration of justice. With Regulation (2000/11), UNTAET created a judicial system based on international norms concerning the administration of justice. In accordance with Article 10.3 of the UNTAET Regulation (2000/11) and Article 1.1 of the Regulation (2000/15), a special judicial mechanism was added to the District Court of Dili. In addition, and in conformity with the dispositions of the above Regulations, another judicial mechanism was added to the Court of Appeals of Dili to hear and decide on appeals lodged against the judgements handed down by the Trial Chamber. Together, both these mechanisms are known as the Special Panels for Serious Crimes. This book presents the history, work, and backgrounds of the Panels.