A Swiss tourist has been sentenced to one year in prison in Bali for mocking the sacred Hindu Day of Silence, after posting videos on Instagram showing himself breaking the observance and using expletives against the tradition.
Work, travel, public entertainment and even electricity use are restricted during the observance. Bali’s airport also shuts down, while internet access is switched off as part of the restrictions. The rules apply to everyone, regardless of religion or nationality. The posts were widely shared on social media and triggered outrage among Balinese residents. Authorities later tracked him down and arrested him at a villa in Legian, a popular tourist area near Kuta Beach. “In its general information for travellers, the FDFA (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) emphasises in particular the need to respect local laws as well as religious and cultural customs. The travel advice for Indonesia also mentions this point,” the statement added.
Because he could not get food during the shutdown, and claimed he had not fully understood the extent of the restrictions, he said he had made the posts while hungry and frustrated.
During his trial, which began in June, Zgraggen said he had not intended to insult the Hindu holiday or the Balinese people.
