Feeling Christmasy? In Brunei, you could get five years in jail!

In a bizarre diktat, Sultan of Brunei has said that anyone found celebrating Christmas 'illegally' may land up in jail for 5 years, reports Independent.

Brunei is a 65% Muslim majority state. The decision has been taken over fears that overt celebration of Christmas could have a negative effect on its Muslim population. The ban on Christmas has been implemented from last year. According to reports, local Islamic religious leaders have actively promoted the ban. Sultan Hassanal Bolkaiah in 2014 imposed a stricter penal code, based on Shariah laws. The ban on Christmas is legal under the new law and violating it may lead to fine of $20,000 or up to five years in prison, or both.

The ban is extremely rigid to an extent that wearing Santa cap or sending greetings can also be ground for prosecution. Non Muslims can celebrate the festival but they need to do it within their communities after prior permission from authorities. 

Ofiicials from Ministry of Religious Affairs are reportedly ensuring that shops are not displaying Christmas celebrations. The Ministry said in a statement, "These enforcement measures are ... intended to control the act of celebrating Christmas excessively and openly, which could damage the aqidah (beliefs) of the Muslim community."

There has been some backlash to this ban in social media with some posting pictures of Christmas celebration with hashtag #MyTreedom.