Former Indonesian president Suharto, who was forced from office 10 years ago during countrywide protests, died Sunday after three weeks in critical condition in hospital.
Suharto rose to power during a 1965 military rebellion, which allowed him to push aside the founding father of Indonesia, President Sukarno.
The former army chief's 32 years in power were marked by brutal suppression of political opponents, labour groups and anyone he considered to have communist leanings.
Supporters say he brought stability and economic growth to the former Dutch colony, which gained its independence in 1949. However, human rights groups estimate that up to a million political opponents were killed during his regime, crimes that have been left unpunished. Hundreds of thousands more were imprisoned.
Suharto was ousted in 1998 amid massive student protests and nationwide riots, opening the way for democracy in the predominantly Muslim nation of 235 million people.
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Suharto rose to power during a 1965 military rebellion, which allowed him to push aside the founding father of Indonesia, President Sukarno.
The former army chief's 32 years in power were marked by brutal suppression of political opponents, labour groups and anyone he considered to have communist leanings.
Supporters say he brought stability and economic growth to the former Dutch colony, which gained its independence in 1949. However, human rights groups estimate that up to a million political opponents were killed during his regime, crimes that have been left unpunished. Hundreds of thousands more were imprisoned.
Suharto was ousted in 1998 amid massive student protests and nationwide riots, opening the way for democracy in the predominantly Muslim nation of 235 million people.
FULL STORY
What is Suharto's legacy?
More...