Suharto's mental health in spotlight

Jun 19 02:18 UTC 2002

Doctors have examined the former Indonesian President Suharto to see if he
is fit to stand trial for corruption. 

Suharto, who ruled Indonesia for 32 years until 1998, stood trial two years
ago on charges that he stole more than $550m when in office. 

However the trial was halted after Suharto's lawyers argued he was mentally
unfit to testify after suffering a stroke. 

The new medical checks were ordered by the attorney general after 81-year-old
Suharto was reported to be in apparent good health at a recent family wedding.


Investigation 

Twelve government doctors, and about 15 of Suharto's own doctors, spent about
three hours at the Suharto family home on Tuesday, accompanied by state
prosecutors. 

Afterwards, doctors from the state-run Cipto Mangkusumo said they would have
to run more tests before making a final diagnosis. 

It is the latest of repeated attempts by the prosecution to reopen the case.


But one of Suharto's lawyers, Denny Kalimang, denied that the reports of his
client chatting animatedly at his granddaughter's wedding were significant.


"People have to know that physically Suharto might look healthy, but mentally
that is not the case. He cannot have a normal conversation like healthy
people. 

"If people ask whether he can attend a trial, physically yes. But mentally
he won't be able to testify because he cannot put his thoughts into words
properly." 

Since Suharto resigned he has been admitted to hospital for medical treatment
on several occasions, including for the stroke, intestinal trouble and
pneumonia. 

He has also been fitted with a pacemaker after collapsing at home last June
with low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.