Nurdin faces new charges

Nurdin faces new charges

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Victory celebrations over a
dropped corruption case on Monday proved short lived for Golkar
legislator and businessman Nurdin Halid, as he faces new criminal
charges.

Local police chief Col. Jusuf Manggaberani said on Wednesday
Nurdin had been accused of stealing a banner belonging to
Indonesian Muslim University (UMI) students. "We are set to
investigate the case, pending the President's permission," Jusuf
said.

The district court here acquitted Nurdin, at the request of
prosecutors, who claimed there was not enough evidence to prove
he embezzled Rp 115.77 billion (US$12 million) of farmers'
compulsory savings from a local cooperative.

The students filed a lawsuit against Nurdin, who they accused
of ordering his men to take the 30-meter-long banner away from
UMI campus. The banner, inscribed with criticism aimed at the
businessman, was given to police as evidence for defamation
charges leveled by Nurdin on the students.

Meanwhile, students continued to demonstrate on Wednesday to
protest Nurdin's release. Police and military troops were posted
at buildings and businesses belonging to Nurdin because of fears
that the students would damage the properties.

An official of a taxi company controlled by Nurdin said the
wave of rallies against the businessman's release had cost the
firm Rp 400 million because most of its 560 taxis were not
operating. (27)