Soekardjo declared mentally healthy

YOGYAKARTA: A four-strong team of psychiatrists and psychologists declared on Friday that Soekardjo Wilardjito -- a former aide of founding president Sukarno -- was mentally healthy.

According to his lawyer, Soekardjo -- who claimed the founding president was intimidated into relinquishing power to Soeharto in 1966 -- had a strong memory despite his ill-health after 11 serving years in jail.

"We hope that the police no longer doubt our client's claim (and call it) misleading testimony blamed on psychological problems," lawyer Budi Santoso said.

Soekardjo has claimed that on March 11, 1966, he saw two generals threaten Sukarno into signing a document at the Bogor Presidential Palace which granted the transfer of power from him to Soeharto.

Police have charged Soekardjo with intentionally spreading falsehood and causing public unrest.

He could be jailed for up to 10 years if found guilty. (44)