Calls grow for trial of Soeharto despite state of health

Calls grow for trial of Soeharto despite state of health

JAKARTA (JP): The investigation and possible trial of former
president Soeharto for alleged corruption during his 32 years in
power must go forward despite claims that he is physically unfit,
observers said over the weekend.

"This is not about taking revenge, but seeking truth and
justice. The government must be able to prove that no one is
above the law," human rights activist Hendardi told The Jakarta
Post on Sunday.

"A political pardon can only be given to Soeharto if all of
his past wrongdoings have already been legally settled. He can
not just get away like that," Hendardi said.

Soeharto has been summoned by the Attorney General's Office to
appear for questioning on Monday, but lawyers representing the
78-year-old former president officially informed the office last
week that their client was too sick to answer the summons.

The Attorney General's Office, however, is insisting that
Soeharto appear, saying the former president "has so far been
able to travel" and therefore was considered healthy enough to be
questioned.

Officials said the summons was issued because new evidence
warranted the resumption of the investigation of the former
ruler.

The officials said the new evidence pointed to "a misuse of
power and authority" in issuing government regulations and
presidential decrees to amass funds for foundations linked to
Soeharto, his family and associates.

Noted Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid shared Hendardi's
opinion, saying that bringing Soeharto to justice would send a
clear message to the public that no one was above the law.

"If Soeharto is eventually found guilty, he should then be
punished so the country can learn a lesson and not repeat the
same mistakes in the future," Nurcholish said.

When asked whether a political pardon would be appropriate for
Soeharto, Nurcholish said: "Mistakes can be easily forgiven by
God as long as they are personal, but if the sins are already
known by the public, there should be punishment."

Since Soeharto stepped down from the presidency in May 1998,
there has been a public outcry demanding he be put on trial for
alleged corruption during his rule.

However, the Attorney General's Office, after months of
investigation, found no evidence of wrongdoing and the
investigation was halted in October during the last week of B.J.
Habibie's presidency.

After being appointed attorney general, Marzuki Darusman
announced in December that he was reopening the investigation
into Soeharto's alleged graft.

Meanwhile, sociopolitical observer Mulyana W. Kusumah said
Soeharto should be examined by doctors appointed by the Attorney
General's Office to determine whether the former president was
too sick to be questioned.

"Recommendations from Soeharto's medical team cannot be
accepted since they will give recommendations which are favorable
to the former president," Mulyana said.

The spokesman for the Attorney General's Office, Soehandoyo,
has said that prosecutors will cross-check and coordinate with
Soeharto's medical team in determining the president's health.

Forbes magazine has listed the wealth of the Soeharto family,
whose investments run to real estate, banking, oil, toll roads
and forestry, at four billion dollars.

Soeharto, who has repeatedly denied allegations that he
amassed a fortune during his reign, was hospitalized twice last
year after suffering a stroke and intestinal bleeding.
(byg/emf/jun)