Código Penal.

The Penal Code of Timor‑Leste, approved by Decree-Law No. 19/2009 and amended by Law No. 6/2009, establishes a comprehensive legal framework regulating criminal liability, penalties, and the protection of fundamental legal interests. Its primary objective is to consolidate a modern, national criminal justice system aligned with constitutional principles and international standards, replacing the previously applicable Indonesian Penal Code. The Code is structured into a General Part (Book I) and a Special Part (Book II). The General Part sets out core principles such as legality, non-retroactivity, culpability, proportionality, and human dignity, while defining criminal responsibility, forms of crime, circumstances affecting liability, and sanctions. It emphasizes that punishment must be proportionate to culpability and oriented toward social reintegration, prioritizing non-custodial penalties where appropriate and limiting the use of imprisonment, which ranges from 30 days to 25 years (exceptionally 30 years). The Code contains provisions indirectly addressing gender issues, particularly in relation to violence, discrimination, and protection of vulnerable groups.
The Special Part categorizes offences according to protected legal interests, including crimes against environment, peace and humanity, persons, democratic life, public authority, property, justice, and the economy. Notably, it criminalizes serious international crimes (genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes), as well as offences against life, physical integrity, personal liberty, and sexual autonomy, including human trafficking and sexual exploitation. It also addresses environmental protection through specific offences against flora, fauna, ecosystems, and natural resources, reflecting growing concern for environmental sustainability. Additionally, the Code incorporates provisions on corruption, abuse of public office, and economic crimes, reinforcing accountability in public administration. Overall, the Code aims to balance the protection of fundamental rights, social order, and state security, while ensuring adaptability to evolving legal and social contexts. The environmental provisions and air pollution are broad and systemic, not limited to a single activity. The key feature is that the Code criminalizes any activity that disrupts ecological balance, even if indirectly.