Suharto Charged With Skimming $570 Million

In a case seen as a test of Indonesia’s resolve to roll back years of corruption and push ahead with democratic reforms, former President Suharto was charged Thursday with siphoning off $570 million in state funds.

Authorities plan to begin formal proceedings this month against the 79-year-old former dictator, even though Suharto’s lawyers say he is too sick to stand trial after a recent series of strokes.

The investigative team turned the case over to prosecutors at Suharto’s home in central Jakarta, where he has been held under house arrest for several months after not cooperating with the investigation.

Atty. Gen. Marzuki Darusman says an independent medical examination showed that Suharto is fit to stand trial.

Hundreds of police were deployed near the home Thursday as a precaution against protests by students who want him tried immediately, not only for corruption but also for human rights violations.

Suharto is accused of using charities under his control to siphon off the state funds during his 32-year ironfisted rule.

Darusman has said he intends to bring Suharto in front of a judge before Thursday. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.

Suharto, who was forced to resign after riots in May 1998, has denied any wrongdoing.