Arnolfo Teves' lawyers file petition questioning arrest

The lawyers of expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. have filed petitions challenging his arrest and detention.

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Ferdinand Topacio, one of his legal counsels, said these include a habeas corpus petition.

“Kaya as we speak, ito ay kine-question po sa mga hukuman ng Timor-Leste sa pamamagitan ng ilang petisyon, kasama na ang petition for habeas corpus, na ang kanila ini-invoke ang provision ng Constitution ng Timor-Leste, na nasasaad doon na a judicial decision is mandatory and executory and no other orders from any authorities can prevail against it,” Topacio said to reporters in a Zoom conference.

A habeas corpus petition is a legal request filed with a court to review the legality of a person's detention or imprisonment.

If granted, Topacio said Teves would be brought to court, where authorities would be questioned on the validity of his arrest, the conditions of his detention, and his potential deportation destination.