Students want Soewito fired

Students want Soewito fired

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Law students from Hasanuddin
University have sent a letter to the Supreme Court demanding the
dismissal of the head of the Makassar District Court.

The letter, dated Feb. 24, 2000, was a follow-up to a series
of protests against Makassar District Court Chief Soewito whom
the students blame for acquitting too many of those charged with
corruption.

"We're frustrated. It's not easy to find justice in Makassar.
That's why we look to the Supreme Court," Sultan Idris chairman
of the Hasanuddin University Law Students Council said.

Idris called on the Supreme Court to establish a team to
investigate Soewito.

"His verdicts only legitimizes and protects corruption among
Makassar officials," Idris said. "Maybe after Soewito's dismissal
we can (again) find justice here."

Among the controversial cases in question was that of former
Golkar legislator Nurdin Chalid who was acquitted of charges of
swindling Rp 115 billion in state funds.(27/sur)