Ex-prisoners wish to meet Gus Dur

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)