Police Seek To Arrest Photographer

SYDNEY (AFP) — Police said Thursday they had visited  as part of a search for the works of an art photographer accused of producing child pornography.

Police in cities across Australia have been scouring galleries for photographer Bill Henson's work since a Sydney exhibition of his pictures was closed down last week because it contained images of nude 12- and 13-year-olds.
 

Painting Coming Off Other Galleries' Walls

Police in cities across Australia have been scouring galleries for photographer Bill Henson's work since a Sydney exhibition of his pictures was closed down last week because it contained images of nude 12- and 13-year-olds.

Smaller art institutions have also been caught up in the police sweep, with officers reportedly ordering one gallery in the regional New South Wales city of Newcastle not to exhibit two Henson photographs featuring nude teens.
 

How Close Was Henson To His Models?

The investigation had stalled because Henson has refused to reveal the identity of the 13-year-old girl he photographed nude for the exhibit, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

 
It said officers were trying to uncover the girl's identity and where she and her parents lived, suspecting they may be in Melbourne, Henson's hometown.

 

Henson's Supporters React

The issue has sparked a wide-ranging debate in Australia, involving everyone from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to Hollywood star Cate Blanchett.

One Rabbi compares it to Hitler burning books.

Australia's Society Set

Questions are raised as to anti Semitism.