Dutch tourist detained for 'insulting religion' in Myanmar

He could face a two-year jail term for pulling speaker plug used during Buddhist sermon

Published: September 27, 2016 08:45 AM GMT

Updated: September 27, 2016 08:46 AM GMT

A 30-year-old Dutch tourist has landed in trouble for "insulting religion" in Myanmar after he pulled the plug on a speaker that was being used for a late-night Buddhist sermon.

Police arrested Klass Haytema after he allegedly disconnected a cable linking an amplifier and a speaker that played a sermon being held in a hall in the city of Mandalay on Sept. 23, reported AFP.

Haytema said that the sermon was disturbing him, police said.

"The religious hall is not far from the hotel where he was staying ... he said he did it because it was too noisy for him," Kyi Soe, police chief told AFP.

The Myanmar Times reported that soldiers had to protect Haytema from an angry crowd before police took him into custody. He was later transferred to a Mandalay prison.

Haytema has been "detained him for insulting religion," said Kyi Soe but he has yet to be charged, said AFP. The punishment under section 295 of the country’s penal code carries up to a two-year jail term and fine.

Help UCA News to be independent

Dear reader,

Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.

Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.

Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.

A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…