Bali jails Swiss tourist for insulting sacred Day of Silence

A Swiss tourist, Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, has been sentenced to one year in prison by a court in Bali, Indonesia, for insulting the sacred Day of Silence, a Hindu observance. The 26-year-old was found guilty of violating Indonesia's new criminal code by posting social media messages about the Day of Silence, even after being informed of the restrictions by staff at his villa.

Judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima stated that Zgraggen's actions offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith, and provoked public outrage. The Day of Silence, also known as Nyepi, requires people to stay home and remain silent and meditative for a day. During this time, Balinese beaches and streets are empty, the airport shuts down, and the internet is switched off.

Zgraggen posted Instagram photos and videos of himself defying the restrictions, describing the tradition as "crazy" and using profanity. He claimed he had not fully understood the extent of the restrictions and made the posts while frustrated and hungry. Despite this, the presiding judge held him accountable for his actions, emphasizing that the restrictions apply to everyone regardless of religion or nationality.