In a high-profile case that has captured attention both in Australia and Indonesia, a Balinese court has found an Australian couple guilty under Indonesia’s stringent anti-pornography laws. Michael Le Grand, 50, and Lynley Le Grand, 44, were sentenced to seven months in jail following their arrest in October when their business, the Pink Palace Spa, was raided amid allegations of violating local laws against sex work.
The Denpasar District Court determined that the couple was guilty of “providing pornographic services,” a charge that could have resulted in a maximum sentence of six years. Alongside the Le Grands, four staff members from the spa were also handed seven-month sentences, with all six sentences set to be reduced by time already served.
As the couple arrived at the court, they were visibly separated during the proceedings. Michael Le Grand entered the complex wearing a white shirt paired with a red prison vest emblazoned with “Detainee of Badung [District] Prosecutor Office,” handcuffed to another defendant. In a poignant moment, Lynley appeared to smile at her husband as he approached her from the holding area, a brief connection amid the tense atmosphere.
The case highlights the complexities faced by foreign nationals operating businesses in Indonesia, particularly concerning the country’s strict regulations surrounding pornography and sex work. As the couple begins their sentences, many will be watching closely to see how this case influences perceptions of foreign involvement in Bali’s tourism and spa industries.
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