Swiss tourist sentenced to one year in prison for belittling 'girlfriend' during Hindu New Year in Bali, Indonesia

(Hanoi = Yonhap News) Correspondent Park Jin-hyung = A foreign tourist who uploaded a video on social media that disparaged the sacred Hindu New Year tradition on the Indonesian island of Bali, a world-famous tourist destination, was sentenced to one year in prison.

According to AFP and the American daily New York Times (NYT) on the 22nd (local time), the Denpasar City District Court in Bali sentenced a 26-year-old Swiss man to one year in prison on charges of online hate speech on the 20th.

The court said, "The defendant's actions hurt the feelings of Bali residents, undermined their faith, and caused public anger," and added, "The defendant must be held accountable for his actions."

This tourist was subject to punishment for violating the curfew regulations on March 19, the Balinese Hindu New Year's Day, 'Nyepi', and posted a video on Instagram insulting the 'Nyepi' tradition while wandering around outside the hotel.

When he arrived in Bali last February, he was informed of the regulations regarding nyupi by the hotel staff.

However, in a video posted on the day of Nyfi, he boasted that he had broken Nyfi regulations prohibiting residents and visitors from leaving their homes or accommodations by leaving the accommodation and walking to the beach.

He also called the tradition "crazy" and included the phrase "Fuck Nyepi Day and fuck your rules" in a social media post.

As the video went viral, criticism and reports poured in from local residents, and authorities arrested him at a villa near Kuta Beach, a famous beach in Denpasar, and charged him.

At trial, the tourist stated that he posted the post after feeling hungry and frustrated because he could not find food due to the lockdown.

He also stated that he did not fully understand the specifics of the Nyapi regulations and that he had no intention of insulting Hindu traditions or the people of Bali.

In his final statement, he said, "I deeply reflect on my actions and apologize to the people of Bali."

On Nyepi Day, also known as the 'Day of Silence' in Bali, all activities, including work, are suspended except for emergencies, people are not allowed on the streets, and vehicles are prohibited from driving.

Accordingly, tourists can only move within their accommodations, and Bali International Airport will also suspend flight operations on this day.

Additionally, lights cannot be turned on at night, and various activities such as cooking, smoking, and listening to music are restricted.

There have been cases in the past where local authorities detained domestic and foreign tourists who went out in violation of the regulations on the day of the tour, but these cases were usually concluded without prosecution.

In Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim country, Bali is the only place with a Hindu majority, and the Hindu faith is deeply rooted.