Indonesia closes Playboy trial
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The trial of Playboy Indonesia’s editor in chief was closed to the public Thursday, angering dozens of Islamic hard-liners who threatened to break down the Jakarta courtroom doors if they are not granted access to the proceedings.
Erwin Arnada went on trial three weeks ago on indecency charges and could face 32 months in prison if convicted.
Under Indonesian law, indecency trials are closed when witness testimony is being heard to avoid obscene material or discussions being made public. Earlier hearings in Arnada’s trial were open.
When the toned-down version of Playboy Indonesia was launched in April -- containing no nudity -- Islamic fundamentalists loudly protested what they called the arrival of the global icon of pornography.
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