Former Playboy Indonesia editor walks out from prison

Redeemed: Former Playboy Indonesia editor Erwin Arnada (center) walks out of Cipinang State Penitentiary on Friday after winning an acquittal from the Supreme Court in a case review. (JP/Nunu Nurhayati)Erwin Arnada, the former editor of Playboy Indonesia magazine, was finally released from Cipinang Prison, South Jakarta, on Friday afternoon after a delay reportedly caused by excessive bureaucracy at the South Jakarta prosecutors office.

“The release is proof that press freedom is still appreciated,” he said.

Erwin said that he did not perceive himself as a victim or a hero, but sees himself as a part of history in helping achieve press freedom in Indonesia.

“I hope there would no other cases such as mine occurring again,” he said.

Erwin was sentenced to two years in prison for publishing content considered pornographic by authorities. His lawyer announced on Friday that Erwin had been acquitted of all charges by the Supreme Court. (rpt)