Teves rearrested in Timor-Leste, extradition sought

Former congressman Arnolfo A. Teves, Jr., accused of killing his political rival and linked to the murder of Governor Roel Degamo in 2023, was rearrested by immigration police in Dili, Timor-Leste on Tuesday evening.

Teves and his Timorese lawyer, Dr. Joao Serra, were taken from Teves's residence without a warrant or written authority to the Ministry of the Interior compound where they remain detained.

Dr. Serra was reportedly manhandled by the police during the arrest.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) stated that the Timorese government intends to deport Teves for being an undocumented foreigner, and has initiated extradition proceedings based on pending applications.

Teves's legal team filed a petition for habeas corpus in Dili to compel authorities to justify his sudden arrest and impending deportation.