Washington, DC - The U.S. government welcomes the decision of a Timor-Leste district court to release U.S. citizen Dr. Stacey Addison from prison on December 25 after she was detained for nearly two months. We have seen the reports that Dr. Addison’s passport was retained by the Government of Timor-Leste, and she remains in Timor-Leste.

The Department of State takes its assistance to U.S. citizens abroad very seriously. Embassy officials continue to provide all possible consular assistance.