i knew there was something wrong about it

'Bodies' exhibit avoids a stiff penalty
BY KENNETH LOVETT
DAILY NEWS ALBANY BUREAU CHIEF

Friday, May 30th 2008, 4:00 AM

ALBANY - The company behind the controversial "Bodies" exhibit has agreed to document the origin of cadavers used in its show and to offer refunds to anyone who saw it.

Critics have charged that the exhibition featured the preserved human cadavers and body parts of Chinese political prisoners who might have been tortured and did not consent to be part of the exhibit.

Premier Exhibitions, which runs the worldwide exhibit, including one at the South Street Seaport, has denied the allegations.

But Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said Premier has agreed to document the cause of death, origin of the bodies, and consent of those who agreed to have their remains displayed.

The company also agreed to pay refunds to anyone who visited the exhibit in New York City, which contains 20 full cadavers and over 200 human parts, organs, fetuses, and embryos.

"Respect for the dead and respect for the public requires that Premier do more than simply assure us that there is no reason for concern," Cuomo said.

"This settlement is a start."