Suharto trial 'imminent'

Suharto's lawyers say he is too ill to stand trial

The multi-million dollar corruption trial of former Indonesian president Suharto is set to start next week, according to officials.

"We have not been informed officially but the court expects the trial to start between 28 August and 30 August," Suharto's lawyer Mohammad Assegaf told the AFP news agency.

The 79-year-old Suharto is charged with stealing $571m from the state during his 32-year rule.

Student demonstrations helped bring down Suharto

Jakarta Judge Lalu Mariyun, who will oversee the trial as part of a five-judge panel, said the date and venue would be announced on Wednesday afternoon.

But Mr Assegaf said Mr Suharto, who has suffered a stroke, should not stand trial because his memory was failing.

"It is impossible for him to stand trial. Suharto is incapable of comprehending questions and of responding to them immediately," he added.

He said Mr Suharto's presence in court would depend on his health at the time.

"So far Suharto's condition has not changed. He still has difficulty communicating verbally and his ability to remember is declining," he said.

Mr Suharto is accused of embezzling money from huge tax-free charity foundations he controlled during his rule.

Pardon

President Abdurrahman Wahid has promised to pardon him, but insists he must stand trial first.

Mr Wahid has said he believes the Suharto family may have amassed a fortune of up to $45bn.

Without a pardon, officials have said Mr Suharto could face life imprisonment if convicted.

Prosecutors say at least 130 witnesses will be called to testify at the trial.

Mr Suharto and his family have denied any wrongdoing.

The former president was forced to resign in May 1998 amid economic and social turmoil.

Activists have also demanded he be tried for human rights abuses.