Former official sues President

JAKARTA (JP): The former secretary-general of the forestry ministry, Soeripto, has filed a defamation lawsuit against President Abdurrahman Wahid.

Soeripto was dismissed by Abdurrahman in March. The President alleged Soeripto had held a meeting to plot his downfall and had aided in the escape of the fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra.

"The civil lawsuit was filed on May 8. I have also filed criminal charges against the President at the National Police Headquarters," Soeripto said at Jakarta Police Headquarters.

Earlier this month, Soeripto was arrested on suspicion of leaking state secrets. (ylt)