Playboy Magazine ( Indonesia ) editor on trial
The editor of Playboy magazine in Indonesia has gone on trial on charges of publishing indecent material.
Erwin Arnada, 42, oversaw photo shoots and selected revealing pictures for the magazine, prosecutors said. Mr Arnada has argued that the magazine, which went on sale earlier this year, contained no nudity and was tamer than other Western-style magazines on sale.
Meanwhile, activists have filed a lawsuit against parliament over a controversial anti-pornography bill. They say the legislation - which would make kissing in public and erotic dancing illegal - would impose strict Islamic values and threaten the country’s reputation for tolerance.
The Indonesian version of Playboy went on sale for the first time last April, featuring several scantily-clad models but no nudity. The magazine drew weeks of protests, despite the fact that pornography is widely available in Indonesia. Muslim groups in particular were worried about its effect on local morals.
The trial has been adjourned until 14 December when witnesses will be called.
