A court in Bali, Indonesia has sentenced a Swiss tourist to one year in prison for insulting the Bali sacred Day of Silence. The 26-year-old tourist was found guilty of violating Indonesia’s new criminal code by posting social media messages about the Hindu religious holiday observed on the tourist island. On this day people are required to stay home and are urged to remain silent and meditate. The Denpasar District Court determined that he posted the messages even after he was informed of the restrictions by staff at the villa where he was staying. “What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith and provoked public outrage,” said presiding judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima as reported by the Associated Press (AP). “The defendant must be held accountable for his actions.” This year the Day of Silence or "Nyepi" fell in March. On this day the island's beaches and streets are empty except for people responsible for ensuring that silence is observed. The airport ...
