Suharto Corruption Inquiry Dropped

Indonesia’s top legal officer dropped a corruption investigation against ex-President Suharto, a move that raised fears of renewed student protests just nine days before a new head of state is chosen. Acting Atty. Gen. Ismudjoko, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, said his probe failed to uncover enough evidence to show that Suharto had violated the law to enrich himself. Suharto’s successor, President B.J. Habibie, promised to crack down on corruption after taking power last year. The decision to drop the inquiry could further damage Habibie’s chances of staying in power Oct. 20, when the assembly chooses the next leader.