Swiss tourist sentenced to year in prison for mocking Bali's Day of Silence

A Swiss tourist has been sentenced to one year in prison in Bali, Indonesia, for violating and mocking the sacred Hindu holiday Nyepi, the Day of Silence. Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, was found guilty of breaching Indonesia's new criminal code after posting videos on Instagram that showed him walking outside during the holiday and insulting the tradition Source: lavozar, infobae, euronewses.

The offense

During Nyepi, which fell on March 19, residents and tourists are required to stay indoors, keep lights dim, and avoid noise; the airport closes and internet access is cut. Zgraggen, who arrived in Bali on February 10, was informed of the rules by hotel staff but became frustrated when he couldn't get food. He posted a video walking in the dark with a caption saying it was "pretty quiet outside," followed by an insult about the rules. The posts went viral, drawing criticism from Balinese residents, and he was arrested after contacting a senator to apologize Source: infobae, euronewses.

The verdict

On August 20, the Denpasar District Court sentenced Zgraggen to one year in prison. Judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima stated, "What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith, and provoked public indignation" Source: lavozar, euronewses. Zgraggen apologized, saying he was hungry and did not intend to insult the holiday Source: lavozar.

Context

While authorities have previously detained tourists for violating Nyepi, such cases were usually resolved without trial. This case marks a harsher judicial response Source: lavozar, infobae.