Indonesia Anti-Rape Corset Opposed

.c The Associated Press

 JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - An Indonesian women's group has protested the
production and sale of ``anti-rape'' corsets, a report said Sunday.

The daily Suara Pembaruan reported that the Group of Women's Health, has
called for a stop to sales of the device - inspired by the Victorian chastity
belt - arguing that its availability was a form of sexual harassment.

Reports of widespread rape during riots in May had inspired a businessman to
intensify his efforts to sell the corset which he has produced since 1996.

More than 500 have been sold since the deadly riots over price increases in
Jakarta.

The corset, advertised in a Jakarta newspaper in mid July, is made of
imitation leather and stainless steel with a numbered lock. It costs 100,000
rupiahs ($7.50).

Human right groups claimed at least 168 women were gang raped during the riots
that forced authoritarian President Suharto to quit after 32 years in power.

The report quoted a statement from the women's group as saying security for
women was the state's responsibility, and shouldn't depend on such equipment.

AP-NY-08-02-98 0840EDT

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