Swiss Tourist Jailed in Bali for Insulting Hindu Holiday on Instagram
A 26-year-old Swiss tourist has been sentenced to one year in prison on the Indonesian resort island of Bali for making derogatory remarks on social media about the traditional 'Nyepi,' or Day of Silence. The judge in Denpasar found the man guilty of insulting the sacred Hindu holiday. During Nyepi, people on the predominantly Hindu island are required to stay home, forgo work, internet, and entertainment, with streets and beaches empty except for special patrols. The international airport also shuts down. The tourist, who arrived in Bali in February, was informed about the rules by hotel staff. He posted video clips on Instagram boasting about defying the restrictions by walking to a beach and ranting against the tradition, calling it 'crazy' and using an expletive. These posts sparked widespread anger and led to his arrest in March. He has spent five months in pre-trial detention, which will be deducted from his sentence. Authorities in Switzerland are providing consular assistance. 
