Swiss Tourist Sentenced to Prison for Insulting Bali’s Sacred Nyepi Day

A Swiss national has been handed a one-year prison sentence for insulting a sacred religious observance on the Indonesian island of Bali.

In a since-deleted video, Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, filmed himself walking toward an empty beach during the Hindu holiday of Nyepi, referring to the scene as “crazy”.

He was arrested in March following widespread backlash on social media among Balinese residents.

Nyepi, observed as the Day of Silence, is an annual Hindu holiday during which the typically bustling tourist island falls quiet, as residents remain indoors and refrain from loud noises. The restrictions apply to all island inhabitants, including tourists.

During Nyepi, the island’s airport ceases operations and internet access is suspended.

Entertainment events are restricted and the use of electricity is discouraged.

Residents typically stock up on groceries in advance to remain indoors during the holiday.

On Nyepi, which occurred on March 19 this year, Zgraggen filmed himself violating the outdoor ban, posting the footage on Instagram with expletive captions, according to local media.

“What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage,” the presiding judge stated, according to the Associated Press.

During his trial, Zgraggen stated he did not fully grasp the extent of Nyepi restrictions and did not intend to insult the Balinese. “I deeply regret what I did, and I apologise to the Balinese people,” the Associated Press reported him saying in court.

Prior cases have seen tourists detained or deported for violating Nyepi restrictions.

Following a pandemic-induced lull, Bali’s tourism has rebounded, with the island welcoming a record seven million international visitors last year.

However, the tourism surge has brought misbehaviour that has vexed locals and authorities. Foreigners have been penalised for offensive acts at religious sites, the formation of exclusive tourist enclaves, and flouting traffic laws.

Authorities have vowed to tighten tourist scrutiny and crack down on unruly foreign visitors.

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