The new call follows earlier ones from East Timor’s opposition asking Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao to resign, after disclosures he authorized a multi-million dollar rice importation contract to a company linked to his daughter.
The Ombudsman said his office has launched an investigation into the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry over a number of deals authorized by Gusmao.
Allegations surfaced late last year that East Timor’s Justice Minister, Lucia Lobato, had colluded with a friend in order for that friend to secure a $1 million contract to rebuild a wall at the Becora prison in Dili, the capital.
At the time, Lobato said she welcomed an investigation by the Ombudsman into the allegations. She said she was prepared to face justice, without using her ministerial immunities, if it found she was involved in any wrongdoing.
Following an investigation, the ombudsman has recommended the Prosecutor General investigate the case further, and prosecute Lobato.
“Not only Minister of Justice, we also found some companies (were) involved in this project,” Ximenes said.
The Minister of Justice did not respond to requests by Radio Australia to comment.
