Tension rises in Wahid crisis

Jakarta - There are growing fears of widespread bloodshed in Indonesia if the parliament decides today to call a special session…

Jakarta - There are growing fears of widespread bloodshed in Indonesia if the parliament decides today to call a special session to consider impeachment of the country's President, Mr Abdurahman Wahid, writes Miriam Donohoe, Asia Correspondent.

Tension was building yesterday in Jakarta on the eve of the crucial parliamentary debate, with thousands of President Wahid's supporters pouring into the city to offer support. Five thousand more Wahid loyalists set fire to two churches in his stronghold of East Java after security forces forced them back from government buildings they were trying to attack. Police fired warning shots to disperse the crowds.