Tourist jailed for Instagram post in one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations
A Swiss tourist has been sentenced to a year in prison for an Instagram post he made while on holiday in Bali.
Luzian Andrin Zgraggen was on the popular Indonesian island during the sacred Balinese Hindu holiday of Nyepi when he described the scenes as “crazy” in a video.
The popular Indonesian island observes the sacred holiday of Nyepi in March each year. Getty
During the annual holiday, locals and tourists are required to stay indoors and remain silent.
The streets remain empty during the holiday, the airport in Bali shuts down and the internet is switched off.
The 26-year-old was arrested in March over the video which sparked anger on social media.
A court found Zgraggen guilty of violating the country’s new criminal code by posting social media messages about the Day of Silence.
The Associated Press reports the presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima said the tourist “offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage”.
“The defendant must be held accountable for his actions,” the judge said.
Tourists must abide by the restrictions regardless of their religion or nationality.
Zgraggen said he made the posts while hungry and frustrated that he could not get food during the shutdown, according to the Associated Press.
“I deeply regret what I did, I apologise to the Balinese people,” he said.
Tourists have previously been warned to abide by local laws.
Back in March a 57-year-old was detained by authorities while walking with luggage through the Gianyar Regency.
He told police he was not aware cars were not operating.
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