Pornography in Osama files, say reports

Computers and digital files seized by U.S. special forces from Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan contained a large quantity of pornographic videos, U.S. media reported on Saturday.

The New York Times cited unnamed U.S. officials confirming the stash, but they declined to say whether there was evidence that bin Laden himself or the other men living in the house had acquired or viewed the material.

Will erode appeal

The disclosure could tarnish the legacy of the founder of al-Qaeda, who was living with three wives at the time of his death, and erode his appeal to followers of his religious extremism.

In a 2002 “letter to the American people,” bin Laden denounced American culture for its exploitation of women's bodies, according to the Times .

According to ABC News, one U.S. official described the illicit stash as “huge”, and said the material, which included electronically recorded videos, was discovered in a wooden box in bin Laden's bedroom.

The CIA would not confirm reports of the pornography to AFP. The discovery is one in a long stream of data gleaned from the treasure trove of evidence snatched up by the Navy SEALs during their raid.