The Denpasar district court on 20/8 sentenced Luzian Andrin Zgraggen, 26, to one year in prison. The court found his video, which depicted him walking to the beach during the Nyepi ritual and using offensive language, insulted the Balinese people's faith and caused widespread public outrage.

Zgraggen posted the video despite being informed of the regulations by staff at the villa where he was staying. The video, which quickly went viral, showed him calling the sacred ritual "crazy" and included vulgar terms.

Nyepi, typically observed every March, is the Balinese Hindu new year. Unlike many other cultures that celebrate new year with fireworks and parties, Balinese Hindus observe a 24-hour period of silence. This includes fasting, meditation, turning off electricity, and staying home with family, starting from 6 AM.

Security patrols are conducted to ensure no one is on the streets, with exceptions only for emergency vehicles. These strict regulations apply to all individuals on the island, regardless of their nationality or religion.

Zgraggen at Denpasar district court, 20/8. *Photo: AP*

Judge Tjokorda Putra Budi Pastima stated, "What the defendant did offended the Balinese people, hurt their faith, and caused anger in the community." Zgraggen was convicted under Indonesia's new Criminal Code.

At trial, Zgraggen claimed he had no intention to offend. He explained that he posted the video while hungry and frustrated because he could not purchase food due to the island-wide shutdown, and that he did not fully grasp the strictness of the regulations. "I deeply regret what I did and apologize to the people of Bali," he stated.

While Bali has previously detained both foreign tourists and local residents for violating Nyepi rules, such incidents have rarely led to prosecution.

Tuan Anh (According to AP, CNN)