A Swiss man has been sentenced to one year in prison on the Indonesian resort island of Bali after insulting a sacred Hindu holiday.
A judge in the city of Denpasar found the 26-year-old guilty of making derogatory remarks on social media about the traditional “Nyepi,” or Day of Silence.
On that day each year, people on the predominantly Hindu island are required to stay home and forgo work, the internet and entertainment. Streets and beaches are empty, except for special patrols tasked with ensuring that silence is observed. Even the international airport is shut down.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the Swiss tourist was informed about the Day of Silence rules by hotel staff when he arrived in Bali in February.
In video clips posted to Instagram, he boasted that he had defied the restrictions and walked to a beach during the observance. He also ranted against the tradition, calling it “crazy” and using an expletive.
The man was arrested in March after the videos sparked widespread anger and complaints to police.
“What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage,” said presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima. “The defendant must be held accountable for his actions.”
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Man apologizes, saying he was hungry
During the trial in June, the defendant told the court he did not understand the extent of the restrictions and that it was not his intention to insult the Balinese people or their holiday.
He said he made the Instagram posts while hungry and frustrated that he could not find food during the holy day.
“I deeply regret what I did. I apologize to the Balinese people,” the man said.
Since his arrest, the 26-year-old has spent five months in pre-trial detention — time that will be deducted from his one-year prison term.
Authorities in Switzerland said they were providing him with consular assistance.
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Edited by: Sean Sinico
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