The former President posted on Facebook that the move was regrettable and “stays on this government’s resume”

′′ The Prime Minister and the rest of the rulers know this group, which cheer up hundreds of young people, which gives roof to hundreds of young people, which allows them some expression free of art and enriches the cultural life of this country,” Horta told Lusa in a statement.

The comments came after Timor-Leste government on Wednesday evicted Arte Moris group from the place where it has provided free art and music training  for 18 years to make way for a space for veterans. The building in Comoro serves as a “home” for up to 100 young artists.

The eviction takes place after several months of silence from the Timorese authorities and after attempts to negotiate Arte Moris direction, which in July appealed to the Ministry of Justice for the decision to expel the site.

That appeal responded to an idle order sent to the collective by the Ministry of Justice last July 08

President of Arte Moris Iliwatu Dana updated reporters during the eviction with a statement about the situation, saying that the group was disappointed by the government’s actions to destroy a  centre that contributed “significantly” to the nation’s art development.

He said that in 2003 the government had made an agreement with the group to support a place where youth from across Timor-Leste can build their artistic and musical talent.

Iliwatu said authorities at National Direction for Land and Property  who they were negotiating with had given them a temporarily option of moving to a small building in Bebora. “This was rejected as it did not have sufficient space for us for us to do our activities " Iliwatu said.

The decision to evict Arte Moris was taken by Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak and raised criticism from several Timorese leaders.