Playboy Indonesia editor cleared of indecency

CBC Arts

The editor of Playboy Indonesia was acquitted on Thursday of indecency charges related to his fledgling version of the men's lifestyle magazine.

A three-judge panel at the South Jakarta District Court ruled Thursday that Erwin Arnada did not violate the country's indecency laws by publishing the Playboy spinoff — which is much tamer than the U.S. version. He had faced up to two and a half years in prison.

The judges said the magazine, which has featured images of scantily clad women with partially exposed breasts, "could not be categorized as pornography."

Presiding judge Efran Basyuning also noted that many other magazines available on newsstands, including local adaptations of rival men's titles FHM and Maxim, contain similar content.

Victory for free speech: Arnada

Arnada hailed the decision a victory for free speech and "a great gift" during a press conference shortly after the court's verdict was announced.

He also thanked readers and advertisers for their support "through this difficult time" and vowed that, under his watch, Playboy Indonesia would never publish nudity.

The introduction of the iconic men's title to the world's most populous Muslim nation has drawn the ire of hardline religious fundamentalists, who staged violent protests when the magazine's debut issue hit newsstands in April 2006.

Because of the violence, Arnada moved the magazine's offices from Jakarta to the predominantly Hindu island of Bali.

Police readied in case of violence

Hundreds of police officers armed with water cannons stood by at the courthouse on Thursday, in anticipation of a repeat protest.

Members of an ultra-conservative Muslim group called the Islamic Defenders Front gathered outside the courthouse and angrily rejected the verdict.

Last April, the group — which has previously attacked local bars and nightclubs licensed to sell alcohol — led the violent demonstration outside the magazine's offices. Its members threw stones at the building, smashed windows and gates, burned copies of the magazine and clashed with police officers.

A lawyer representing the IDF told reporters that his clients plan to refile a case against Playboy as well as other adult-themed magazines.

Approximate 20 regional versions of Playboy are produced around the globe, with the local titles typically adapted to cater to local tastes.

With files from the Associated Press