Russian influencer facing pornography charges for naked pose under sacred Bali tree
A popular Russian influencer faces the prospect of six years in jail after she posed naked in front of a sacred tree in Bali.
The image, taken at the 700-year-old weeping paperbark tree, known locally as Kayu Putih, features Instagram star Alina Yoga posing naked at the base of the tree pushing her breasts into the bark.
The tree is located at Babakan Temple in the regency of Tabanan on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali, and is considered sacred to locals.
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Alina shared the images to her thousands of Instagram followers, as they quickly caused outrage.
They later gained the attention of Balinese entrepreneur, Niluh Djelantik, who called on the local authorities to intervene.
Now, authorities say Alina could face up to six years in jail if she’s prosecuted under local pornography laws.
Following the public backlash, Alina deleted the images and posted an apology video, which showed her fully clothed and praying at the base of the sacred tree while she stated her ‘regret’.
“I apologise to all Balinese and Indonesian people, I regret my actions,” she said.
“I’m so embarrassed, I didn’t mean to offend you in any way, absolutely no knowledge of this place.”
“I just prayed under a tree and went straight to the police station to explain this incident and apologise.”
Alina has since turned herself over to authorities, while the case continues to be processed, a Tabanan Police spokesperson confirmed.
He did not mention what punishment she is likely to face, however according to reports, Alina could be charged with sharing pornography under the country’s harsh Information and Electronic Transactions Act (ITE).
If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison or a fine of IDR 1 billion ($A97,214).
