Amien condemned for statement anti-Soeharto remark

JAKARTA (JP): About 100 activists demonstrated here on Saturday to condemn Moslem politician Amien Rais for accusing former president Soeharto of involvement in the murder spree of Moslem preachers and alleged black magic practitioners in Java.

The youths, who called themselves the Enforcers of Truth and Justice Institute (LPKK), rallied in front of the headquarters of the National Mandate Party (PAN) which Amien chairs.

Amien was in Irian Jaya at the time on party business.

The demonstration lasted only about 10 minutes and ended peacefully.

"It's haram (forbidden) in Islam to accuse a person without evidence," Zulkarnain, leader of the institute's delegation, told reporters afterward.

Amien alleged here on Thursday that former president Soeharto was involved in the killings of almost 200 Moslem preachers and people accused of practicing black magic in a wave of murders that has swept Java.

He admitted he did not have enough proof to support his claim, but Amien charged that Soeharto had the motive of wanting to divert people's anger away from investigations into him and his cronies.

"It is very difficult to find proof, but I think I am not far from the truth in saying that Soeharto's hands are behind the killings," he told members of the Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club.

Zulkarnain said the police should question Amien over his statements.

He said that the police should also find out Amien's motive for making the remark.

"If he (Amien) has evidence, he should have gone to the police but not to the press," he said.

The activists also unfurled posters and banners criticizing Amien's maneuvers.

"Amien Rais! Stop your provocation," read one poster.

"PAN yes, Amien Rais no," read another poster. (imn)