DILI (International Federation of Journalists/Pacific Media Watch): The news editor for National Media Group (GMN) in Timor-Leste has been dismissed due to his role as the TL Press Union (TLPU) representative on the country’s Press Council.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the TLPU has condemned the dismissal of the editor as “outrageous” and called for his immediate reinstatement.
Francisco Simões Belo, news editor of GMN received a letter from GMN Director of Information Francedes Suni on September 27 stating that he was dismissed from his position because his role with the Press Council did not benefit GMN, according to a report by the IFJ Asia-Pacific website.
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The letter also said that Belo “could not concentrate” on the GMN newsroom while he was representing journalists at the self-regulatory Press Council.
Belo was elected by TLPU members to represent TLPU on the Press Council. He has registered his case and mediation is due to begin on October 29.
The IFJ said: “The sacking of a journalist for simply fighting for the rights of fellow journalists is outrageous.
“Francisco has worked hard for journalists across Timor-Leste, and should not be punished for this work. We demand GMN immediately reinstate his employment.”
In a statement to Pacific Media Watch tonight, the Director of Information, Francedes Suni, denied that Belo had been "sacked or dismissed", saying: "For the sake of the truth and fair and balanced journalism, can international media check and if needed, re-check facts before publishing articles?"
However, Suni gave no further clarification to the IFJ media freedom report.
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