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José Ramos-Horta To Free The Man Who Shot Him
Posted 8/24/2010 at 10:37 AM by Betsy L in Laureates News


President José Ramos-Horta has pardoned 23 rebels who attacked Dili in 2008, including the man who shot him.

Marcelo Caetano was sentenced in March to 16 years for shooting the President twice in front of his home on February 11, 2008.

The The Age writes:
Mr Ramos-Horta told The Age earlier this year that Caetano had apologised for shooting him, saying he did not intend to kill him. But in court, Caetano insisted he was not the shooter.


What do you think?
Would you do the same thing if you were in José's position?

Read the entire article here.
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Bradlee A wrote:
What an amazing gesture of forgiveness! I can't imagine what it feels like to be shot multiple times, let alone to forgive the person that did it.
posted 8/24/2010 at 10:41 AM
Kate C wrote:
I continue to be impressed with President Ramos Horta's willingness to take a firm stand on "forgiveness and reconciliation" - many in his country were mad at him for not prosecuting the indonesian military for what they did in East Timor - his response was that since that time they have suffered greatly in their own country and it is time for healing and finding a new way forward with their neighbor.

Here he is again showing he really is committed to reconciliation and forgiveness. I feel so honored to have him part of the work we do. He really is a role model for me.
posted 8/25/2010 at 9:26 AM
Dawn E wrote:
Wow! This is an incredible act of forgiveness... I am not sure that I would be able to do this.
posted 8/26/2010 at 9:23 AM
Kate C wrote:
Today's reflection: Is there someone in your life who is in need of your forgiveness?
posted 9/1/2010 at 8:57 AM
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