News

MLDI welcomes release of Indonesian journalist Erwin Arnada

Posted on:

27. June 2011

The Media Legal Defence Initiative welcomes the release of Erwin Arnada, the former editor in chief of Playboy Indonesia magazine. In September 2010, Arnada had been convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment for publishing non-nude images of women and an advice column that frankly discussed sexual relationships. The Indonesia Supreme Court on Friday quashed his conviction.

Robert Balin of Davis Wright Tremaine, the lead lawyer representing MLDI and other media freedom groups who had called for Arnada’s release, welcomed Friday’s ruling, saying, “the right to freedom of expression includes the right to convey information about sexual relationships when communicated in this modest way.”

Jennifer Robinson of Finers Stephens Innocent, another lawyer on the case, added, “Indonesia, with the largest Muslim population in the world, is renowned for its respect for pluralism and tolerance of diversity which is enshrined in its national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. The Supreme Court’s decision to release Arnada restores this commitment to pluralism and Indonesia's international obligation to protect freedom of expression.”

Ends

Contacts for media comment:

LAWYERS -

Robert Balin, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, New York, Contact: +1 212 603-6440
Jennifer Robinson, Finers Stephens Innocent LLP, London, Contact: +44 758 452 9148 (in English or Indonesian languages)
Samuel M. Bayard, Associate, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, New York, Contact: +1 212 603-6489

MLDI -