Asia

East Timor

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}
 

IREX Description:

Since gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002, Timor Leste has made slow progress toward establishing a fully democratic state. The last several decades have been marked by the country’s struggle for independence first as a colony of Portugal, from which they broke away in 1975, only to be invaded by Indonesia nine days later. Though a referendum in 1999 resulted in an overwhelming majority of Timorese voting for independence from Indonesia, anti-independence Timorese militias (supported by the Indonesian military) began a violent campaign against the independence movement. A month of violence came to an end with the arrival of a multinational peacekeeping force. On May 20, 2002, Timor Leste was internationally recognized as an independent state. In its short history as an independent state, however, Timor Leste has seen other instances of politically motivated violence. Internal tensions led to violence and riots in April 2006, and an attack on the president and prime minister in February 2008.

Read more on IREX’s site…

Visit CPJ’s Site for Recent Developments in this Country

Visit IFEX’s Site for Recent News on Media in this Country