Tourists Get in Trouble for Inappropriate Buddha Photos - as part of the news series by GeoBeats.
Being a tourist in another country is exciting to say the least with a never-ending list of things to see and do. However, if you are unfamiliar with customs and
taboos, it can pose a big problem.
One seemingly innocent joke landed three French travelers in jail. One man and two women were arrested in Sri Lanka. Reportedly, they posed next to Buddha statues in what officials deemed an inappropriate manner.
In the pictures, the group was pretending to kiss a Buddha statue.
The trio had visited a photography shop to have the pictures printed. When a shop employee saw the pictures, he alerted police. The three tourists pleaded guilty and received suspended jail sentences along with a fine.
Sri Lanka has a Buddhist population of 70% and they are extremely protective of their religious establishments.
Several years ago, music artist, Akon was banned from Sri Lanka because one of his videos caused offense. The music video, “Sexy Chick’ featured bikini clad women dancing, with a Buddha statue in the background.
