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🇧🇪 Belgium /Crime & Justice

Swiss tourist gets 1 year in jail on Bali for ignoring Day of Silence: 'Population insulted'

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A Swiss tourist was sentenced to one year in prison on Bali for ignoring the Day of Silence (Nyepi) and posting about it on social media.
  • The court ruled that the tourist's actions insulted the Balinese people and disrespected their religious beliefs.
  • Nyepi is a sacred day for the predominantly Hindu Balinese, involving a period of silence and meditation, during which the airport and public spaces are shut down.

A Swiss tourist has been sentenced to one year in prison on the Indonesian island of Bali for disregarding the Day of Silence, known locally as Nyepi, and subsequently sharing his defiance on social media.

The accused must be held accountable for this.

— JudgeJustification for the prison sentence.

The court found the 26-year-old tourist guilty of insulting the Balinese people and disrespecting their religious practices. Nyepi, observed on March 19 this year, is a significant Hindu holiday characterized by a day of complete silence, introspection, and meditation. During this period, the island's airport ceases operations, and public spaces, including streets and beaches, become deserted, with only essential patrols active.

Despite the strict restrictions, the tourist posted videos on Instagram detailing how he ignored the holiday, even visiting a beach and referring to the tradition as "crazy." These posts drew widespread attention and led to complaints, prompting authorities to locate and arrest him. He was apprehended at a villa in Legian.

The accused must be held accountable for this.

— JudgeJustification for the prison sentence.

During the trial, the tourist claimed he had no intention of offending the Balinese or their faith, stating his actions stemmed from frustration over being unable to purchase food. He expressed remorse and apologized, admitting he underestimated the significance of the restrictions. However, the judge ruled that his actions warranted punishment, emphasizing the public outcry and offense caused by his behavior.

The accused must be held accountable for this.

— JudgeJustification for the prison sentence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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