Timor-Leste denies Teves extradition appeal

Metro Manila, Philippines – Timor-Leste denied former Rep. Arnolfo Teves’s appeal to reverse his extradition, the Justice Department said on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

In June, Timor-Leste approved the Philippines’ request to extradite Teves who sought political asylum there. Teves appealed the decision.

Remulla lauded Timor-Leste’s rejection of the appeal, noting that it is “a significant step forward" in the fight for justice.

“This decision underscores that justice proceeds irrespective of an individual's status,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.

Teves’ legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, said the development is “fake news.”

“It was the stay order that was denied, not the appeal. Those are two different things,” Topacio told NewsWatch Plus.

Topacio earlier said Teves sought assistance from the United Nations Commission on Human Rights regarding the matter of “harassment” and “political persecution.”

Teves has been tagged as the mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

He is facing 10 counts of murder, 12 counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder in a Manila court.