Prosecutors finger ex-mayor for graft

Prosecutors finger ex-mayor for graft

CIREBON, West Java: The prosecutors' office here has named
former mayor Lesmana Suriaatmadja a suspect in a corruption case
involving Rp 1.5 billion (US$176,470) from the 2001 regional
budget.

The office has also summoned 30 members of the regional
legislative council for questioning as witnesses, chief
prosecutor Suraini Dahlan said.

Lesmana was declared a suspect after two months of
investigation.

Suraini said on Saturday incumbent deputy mayor Agus Alwafier,
who was the deputy speaker of the legislative council when the
graft took place, could also come under investigation.

The case centers on the alleged misuse of the regional budget
by Lesmana and 17 of his aides to enrich themselves. The
officials, some of whom are still holding the same positions, are
being investigated. -- JP