NGO activists questioned again

JAKARTA: People's Bastion for Democracy (Bendera) activists Ferdy Simaun and Mustar Bona Ventura were questioned at Jakarta Police headquarters Thursday in connection with charges filed against them by state officials and politicians, news portal kompas.com reported.

Ferdy said he and Mustar would be questioned over a defamation suit filed by Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng his brother, Golkar Party executive Rizal Mallarangeng, and Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Djoko Suyanto.

The two are scheduled to face the music on Friday following defamation reports filed by Coordinating Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa, Democratic Party politician Edhie Baskoro, who is President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's youngest son, and the General Elections Commission.

"We will probably have to face the same questions and will give the same answers," Mustar said.

The activists face defamation charges for accusing the plaintiffs of receiving Bank Century bailout funds in their efforts to help President Yudhoyono and running mate Boediono win the 2009 presidential election. - JP