Indonesia: Drop charges against watchdogs

JAKARTA, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Charges against two Indonesian anti-corruption officials should be dropped, a presidential inquiry has recommended.

The inquiry, set up by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, found that extortion and abuse of power charges against the men -- former members of the country's popular anti-corruption watchdog, the KPK -- should be dismissed, the BBC reported Tuesday.

The broadcaster said the result was expected after the charges against the men, Bibit Samad Rianto and Chandra Hamzah, produced a public outcry, with nearly daily street protests in support of the pair.

The protests led to their release and accusations of injustice against Indonesian police, who are seen as persecuting anti-corruption watchdogs, the BBC said.

The recommendation reportedly puts Yudhoyono under increasing pressure to come up with a solution to the problem.