Rebel PDI members on trial

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: The provincial court in Ujungpandang is scheduled to start a trial today against five members of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) who took part in the rebel PDI congress in Medan in June, which ousted the party's leader, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

"The five accused clearly violated the law in attending the so-called Medan congress," said M. Ilyas Amin, a lawyer representing Megawati and her colleagues.

The five -- Hambali, John Kadiaman, Effendi Ismail, Nico Ado and Ferry Massiki -- are being sued for Rp 200 million (US$86,900).

Similar lawsuits are being launched by Megawati supporters in other provinces. In South Sulawesi there are three lawsuits against branches which supported the Medan congress. (34/mds)