Ex-prisoners wish to meet Gus Dur

SURABAYA: At least 56 former political prisoners linked to the now defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) here said on Monday they would demand rehabilitation of their civil rights when they meet with President Abdurrahman Wahid.

The group is slated to arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday, accompanied by Sunarno Edi Wibowo of the Surabaya's Legal Protection Commission for the Military and Civilians.

"We will first meet with Minister of Law and Legislation Yusril Ihza Mahendra to discuss our rights and later we hope to see the President," Kusnawi, a group member, said.

Sunarno said most of his clients were slandered and labeled as PKI members and have lived a troublesome life ever since. "We hope justice will eventually prevail," he said. (nur/edt)