Soeharto's health to be checked again
Soeharto's health to be checked again
JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutors on Tuesday instructed a team of
doctors from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) to conduct a
complete medical check-up on Soeharto to determine once and for
all if questioning of the former president can be resumed.
The order for a thorough medical check came as officials
continued to confiscate documents relating to four of Soeharto's
charitable foundations and formal notification of the extension
of his city arrest status for another 40 days was given.
Attorney General Marzuki Darusman said a comprehensive medical
examination was necessary after a doctor suggested that one be
conducted as the first check-up at the Cipto was a limited
examination.
"We have to analyze whether he is fit enough to resume
questioning," Marzuki said without mentioning when the check-up
was due to take place.
Soeharto is suspected of allegedly abusing his power when
president by issuing decrees and regulations to amass funds for
his foundations.
After confiscating papers relating to the Supersemar
Foundation last week, prosecutors on Tuesday further confiscated
documents relating to another two foundations -- Dana Karya Abadi
and Dana Sejahtera Mandiri -- for use as evidence in the case
they are building.
On Monday they took documents relating to the Dharmais
Foundation.
Separately, a team of state prosecutors led by director of the
investigation Ris Pandapotan Sihombing officially presented the
papers notifying the extension of Soeharto's city arrest to
defense lawyer Juan Felix Tampubolon at the former president's
residence in Central Jakarta.
The extension is valid for 40 days, from Wednesday May 3 to
June 11.
Marzuki had earlier said it would be effective for 20 days.
Attorney General's Office spokesman Yushar Yahya said the
extension was signed by the deputy head of the Jakarta
Prosecutor's Office Suroyo on April 28.
"The Attorney General's Office authority to place someone
under city arrest is only for the first 20 days. Extensions
should come from the provincial prosecutor's office," he
explained. (01)