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Independent medical team to examine Suharto |
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September 21, 2000
JAKARTA (AP) - State prosecutors announced Wednesday the formation of a 24-member independent medical team to examine ex-dictator Suharto's health to determine whether he is fit enough to stand trial on charges of massive corruption. Attorney general spokesman Yushar Yahya said the team will be led by Muhamad Djakaria, a medical professor at the prestigious University of Indonesia, and will include physicians from the state health department, three other medical schools and private health clinics. Yahya said the team would examine Suharto at the state-run Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital in central Jakarta before the trial reconvenes on Sept. 28. Suharto, 79, is charged with embezzling at least dlrs 583 million in government money to bankroll businesses controlled by his cronies and children. The former strongman, who was ousted from office in 1998 amid pro-democracy protests and riots, has refused to attend his hearing on the grounds of failing health. His doctors say three strokes have damaged the former autocrat's brain. Government physicians maintain he is fit enough to face court. On Sept 14, judges ruled that an independent medical team should examine Suharto and report when the hearing reconvenes on Sept. 28. They also ordered Suharto, who has not showed up at his hearing so far, to be present on that date. A series of bomb blasts have coincided with major developments in the Suharto case. On Sept. 13, a day before Suharto's trial reconvened, a bomb ripped through the basement garage of the Jakarta Stock Exchange, killing 15 people. Two other blasts have happened at other major developments in the case. Suharto's opponents accuse the former leader's supporters of being behind the bombings. About 300 students demonstrated peacefully near Suharto's residence in central Jakarta on Wednesday calling for the ex-autocrat to be jailed for corruption. About 200 riot police stood by but did not intervene.
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