Govt to free 80 political prisoners

Govt to free 80 political prisoners

JAKARTA (JP): Newly elected President Abdurrahman Wahid, in
his first move to promote national reconciliation, is considering
the release of 80 political prisoners, including chairman of the
Democratic People's Party (PRD) Budiman Sudjatmiko.

Outgoing State Secretary/Minister of Justice Muladi said on
Monday that the clemency would be granted to the political
prisoners, mostly East Timorese, immediately after approval from
the House of Representatives.

"Under the amended 1945 Constitution, the President is obliged
to seek approval from the House in providing amnesty for
political prisoners," Muladi said after accompanying Abdurrahman
in a meeting with House Speaker Akbar Tandjung at the State Guest
House.

Muladi said the government hoped to gain a positive response
from the House for the sake of human rights recognition and the
national reconciliation agenda.

He said the new government would also rehabilitate the names
and professions of 40 of the political prisoners.

"The political prisoners' names will be rehabilitated and they
will be returned to their former jobs if they were civil
servants."

He declined to identify the 40 political prisoners but said
most of them were involved in separatist activities in East
Timor, Aceh and Lampung.

He said Budiman and several other PRD activists were also
likely to be included under the amnesty from the President for
the same reasons.

Then president B.J. Habibie offered in July to release Budiman
but the latter refused on the grounds that his conviction would
still stand.

Muladi also said the government was expected to propose to the
House the replacement of Chief Justice Sarwata who is entering
retirement age. (prb/rms)ii