Probably against the TOS. See https://www.google.com/adsense/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=48182
I like the top one on the side of the site logo which tells you what to do The "tutorial" ad section with pics on the side seems to be completely against the rules.
I think its against AdSense TOS. Its an old method of increasing CTR by placing ads next to images. Better not take the risk.
Small images aligned with the ads is against TOS. I see there is a dividing line on the above example. How far an image has to be away from the ads and what constitutes adequate measures to be considered within TOS is something only Google can advise. I would not recommend doing this. I have seen examples where large pictures are put next to the ad blocks on high volume sites.. - Dean
It is not only the pictures, this placement with the title is misleading which is against google rules.
You don't want your ads to be blend with with your content. You'll want to have your ads stand a little bit.
i earlier saw a letter from a guy where google responded him back saying its ok to place images along with ads but there should be some content or something like border separating it so that it doesn't mislead... I posted a thread earlier on that here in dp some where!
Are you still in Adsense program? I mean, Adsense did not banned you yet? This is against Adsense TOS.
Although having a border to separate between the images and the ads, that doesn't guarantee google will like it. To be on the safe side, space them up a little bit.