Indonesia likely to drop corruption charges against former dictator

Indonesia will likely soon drop corruption charges against ailing former dictator Suharto, a senior minister said Thursday after visiting the 84-year-old ex-leader in hospital.

Photo: Indonesia likely to drop corruption charges against former dictator

Minister of State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the government also was set to formally take steps to "rehabilitate" the former dictator's name.

"God willing, the attorney general will soon issue an order declaring the investigation over," Mahendra said after visiting Suharto, who is in a Jakarta hospital recovering from surgery to stem intestinal bleeding.

Mahendra, a former speech writer for Suharto, has been tasked by the president to collect documents relating to Suharto's legal, financial and health status ahead of a decision on how to handle Suharto's case, reports the AP.

I.L.