Questioning of Bambang and Aberson continues

Questioning of Bambang and Aberson continues

JAKARTA (JP): The authorities continued questioning senior
politician Aberson Marle Sihaloho and lawyer Bambang Widjojanto
yesterday in connection with the July 27 riots.

Aberson, an outspoken legislator from the Indonesian
Democratic Party, has been accused of defaming President
Soeharto, sowing hatred against the government and undermining
the government.

Jakarta Police Chief Detective Col. Paimin Abuamr told
reporters he had received the go-ahead from President Soeharto to
question the legislator as a suspect. By law, a legislator cannot
be questioned for criminal acts without the approval of the head
of state.

Under Indonesian law, those found guilty of defaming the
President are liable to a maximum jail term of six years. Sowing
hatred against the government and undermining the government
carry sentences of seven years and 18 months respectively.

Bambang, whose office was the venue for the launch of the
Democratic People's Party's (PRD), had been questioned four times
by government investigators.

Bambang initially refused to comply with the summons on the
grounds that he is one of the defense lawyers of the PRD leaders,
who are facing subversion charges.

He argued that a lawyer could not be summoned as a witness for
the case of his or her clients.

Bambang is defending PRD leaders Petrus H. Haryanto and
Budiman Sudjatmiko, as well as the chairman of the Indonesian
Prosperous Labor Union, Muchtar Pakpahan.

The government has accused the PRD of inciting the July 27
riots in the capital. Meanwhile, Muchtar has been denied
information on what offense he is being held for, which the
government has merely referred to as "subversive" in nature.

The Attorney General's Office has detained 12 suspects from
the PRD.

Bambang said the government investigators allowed him to be
accompanied by two lawyers from his foundation during the
questioning.

He said he refused to answer questions on the foundation's
financial sources.

Attorney General Singgih has said that the government will
finish the overall investigation in November, during which time
its results will be submitted to the Central Jakarta District
Court. Singgih also said that all people involved in the July 27
riots will be questioned. (16)