Timor-Leste Extends Ban on Martial Arts, Citing a ‘Drastic’ Reduction in Violence

Timor-Leste’s ban on martial arts has been extended until November after the government announced in April that the suspension had “drastically” reduced the number of public order incidents involving martial arts groups. “We’ve agreed to a resolution to extend the suspension of martial arts,” Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao told reporters in April. This comes after the initial six-month ban was ordered in November 2023 following the altercation between martial arts groups that resulted in four deaths, 26 injuries, and damage to 21 properties. Under the current ban, it is illegal to teach, learn, and practice martial arts in the island nation; martial arts’ centres, clubs, and schools have also been ordered to close....