The trial of Playboy Indonesia's editor-in-chief has been closed to the public, angering dozens of Muslims who threatened to break down the courtroom doors unless they were allowed in. Erwin Arnada went on trial three weeks ago on indecency charges and may be jailed for up to 32 months if convicted. | On Thursday, about 30 people protested outside the court and tried to force their way into the courtroom before officials intervened. They accused the presiding judge of being biased towards Playboy, which they said had "destroyed the morals of the nation". |
On Thursday, about 30 people protested outside the court and tried to force their way into the courtroom before officials intervened. They accused the presiding judge of being biased towards Playboy, which they said had "destroyed the morals of the nation". Arnada told reporters that the protesters were entitled to demonstrate, but "I also ask that they respect this legal process".
Pornographic films on video, though illegal, also are sold quite openly at stores across the country and some magazines are more sexually graphic than Playboy. At earlier hearings, prosecutors told the South Jakarta district court that Arnada oversaw photo-shoots and selected pictures of models in underwear. Indonesia is secular, but also has the largest Muslim population - 190 million - in the world. Some Muslims have been pushing hard to impose strict Islamic law there.