Memo to MPs: Your iPad is not for watching porn
When an MP from Silvio Berlusconi’s party was photographed surfing an escort website during a session of parliament in February, Italian voters weren’t all that shocked because, well, they’re pretty much impossible to shock at this point. But it’s a slightly bigger deal for an Islamist party in Indonesia: Prosperous Justice Party lawmaker Arifinto, caught ...
When an MP from Silvio Berlusconi's party was photographed surfing an escort website during a session of parliament in February, Italian voters weren't all that shocked because, well, they're pretty much impossible to shock at this point. But it's a slightly bigger deal for an Islamist party in Indonesia:
When an MP from Silvio Berlusconi’s party was photographed surfing an escort website during a session of parliament in February, Italian voters weren’t all that shocked because, well, they’re pretty much impossible to shock at this point. But it’s a slightly bigger deal for an Islamist party in Indonesia:
Prosperous Justice Party lawmaker Arifinto, caught last week watching a pornographic video on a tablet computer during a House of Representatives plenary, pre-empted his possible dismissal from the legislature by saying on Monday that he would resign.
“With all of my conscience, without any coercion from anyone or any elements, for the sake of myself and the party’s honor, following this statement, I will soon file my resignation as a member of the House of Representatives to my party,” Arifinto said at the House on Monday.
Here’s the (safe-for-work) shot of Arifinto caught in the act.
Unfortunately for Arifinto, his party was the driving force behind legislation making it illegal to watch pornography. If it’s proved that he was downloading the movie, he could now be charged under a law that he helped pass.
I’m sure it must get boring in parliament sometimes, but these guys really can’t wait until they’re in a room without news cameras?
Joshua Keating was an associate editor at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @joshuakeating
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