MHM Admin
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Re:Obscenity in newspapers - 2007/03/07 02:18
Dear Crispin,
It all depends on what is classed as obscene. Clearly, there are cultural differences here and what might be acceptable in one social grouping might be seen as offensive and obscene in others.
Some of the material published in many Western newspapers might offend readers in other cultures.
However, given this regional difference, the main issue is whether the images are actually offensive.
Are they an invasion of privacy? Do they put the two women pictured at risk? Are they suitable to be viewed by minors? Can it really be in the public interest to publish the images?
It would be hard to justify publishing any picture that was genuinely obscene (that is, offensive or outrageous to accepted standards of decency or modesty).
Being in possession of a compromising picture and being able to produce it in an appropriate setting, say as evidence in court, should be sufficient.
An article about the minister’s conduct could then be written and achieve its purpose without the associated risks.
Publishing obscene pictures should be the last resort. It could leave the newspaper open to accusations of poor taste and judgement. Worst still, it could be used by those who are not in favour of freedom of expression as an excuse for closing the newspaper.
Personally, I would not publish an obscene image in a newspaper.
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