Mar 23, 2026, 10:49Mar 23, 2026, 10:49
A Swiss tourist was arrested on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali for defaming a religious festival. According to police, the man is accused of demeaning Nyepi New Year on Instagram.
Celebrations in Bali the day before Nyepi Festival.Image: keystone
The Nyepi Festival, which took place last Thursday, is the traditional “Day of Silence” in Bali. On this day, residents and tourists of the predominantly Hindu island must stay at home for 24 hours. Work, travel, entertainment and even electricity consumption are all discouraged.
But the man seems to have ignored these rules. “A day of silence when you’re not allowed to go outside is pretty peaceful outside,” the accused wrote in English in an Instagram story. He also insulted the day with the words: “Fuck Nyepi and fuck your rules too.” According to the «View» The man is also said to have posted a video in which he is said to have shouted “Fuck Nyepi”.
The man was reported to the police shortly after the post and was arrested on Saturday. He faced up to five years in prison for inciting hatred, the Bali police spokesman said, without mentioning the suspect’s age.
The island of Bali attracts millions of foreign visitors every year. (dab/sda/afp)