Playboy Indonesia editor acquitted

THE editor-in-chief of Playboy Indonesia was yesterday acquitted of charges that he violated the Muslim nation’s indecency laws by publishing pictures of scantily clothed women.

Erwin Arnada had faced a maximum punishment of nearly three years in prison in a case closely watched by strict Muslims, who have loudly protested since the toned-down version of the American magazine hit Indonesian news-stands a year ago.

Efran Basyuning, presiding judge of the South Jakarta District Court, said pictures of scantily dressed women, some in underwear with their breasts partially exposed, could not be categorised as pornography under the country’s criminal law. Arnada called the ruling a victory for free speech.