Tribunal classifies majority of sex photos as 'obscene'

The Obscene and Indecent Articles Tribunal said yesterday 84 of the 93 photos of some local celebrities during intimate moments are obscene and the other nine indecent. The ruling followed a request by the defense in an ongoing court case over the posting of the photos online.

The tribunal explained that its assessment was based on the general moral standard of the whole society, after the defense argued that the Internet has a set of its own. It elaborated that the 84 pictures were rated obscene because they depict sexual acts in detail. The case hearing will resume in early June.

Contacts with biz partners a delicate issue: ICAC

Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Timothy Tong said yesterday people with close business ties should refrain from contacting each other for non-business purposes unless it is absolutely necessary.

His remarks were in response to concerns raised over reports of textbook publishers paying for spring tea parties organized by school heads.

Though the anti-corruption ordinance does not see entertainment as a favor, Tong explained, it would be a breach of the ordinance should the "entertainment" influence a business decision.

Man pleads guilty to stealing skulls

A 21-year-old pastry chef pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of theft and one count of attempted theft at the Fanling Magistracy for stealing human skulls from four urns at a cemetery in Fanling, New Territories, in February. He asked his friend to put them up for auction online but later regretted his action and turned himself in to the police.

The presiding magistrate, however, wondered if human bones should be considered personal property and decided to consult legal experts before proceeding.

The case was adjourned until June 4.

Tests on dead boy show no signs of flu viruses

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said yesterday afternoon initial examination of the respiratory sample taken from an 11-year-old boy who died in the morning at Prince Wales Hospital in Sha Tin, New Territories yielded negative results for flu viruses.

The boy was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms last Thursday, including spasms and fever and was listed in critical condition for awhile. The Coroner's Court will investigate into the cause of his death.

China Daily

(HK Edition 04/24/2008 page1)