3 Algerian Christians Accused of Blasphemy Await Court Decision
Three Christians in Algeria face a possible three-year prison sentence and $630 fine for allegedly committing blasphemy against Islam.
At a court hearing this past week in Ain Turk, Algeria, Youssef Ourahmane, Rachid Seghir and Hamid Ramdani were accused by the public prosecutor of "insulting Islam, its prophet and threatening the former professing Christian that complained against them," according to International Christian Concern (ICC).
The three men had each been given a sentence of three years in prison and a $630 (500 euro) fine earlier in the year by a lower court. However, because they were not present when their sentences were pronounced, they made an appeal on July 15, 2008. The appeals court then scheduled their hearing for Oct. 21, 2008.
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Shamouma Al-Aid, the former professing Christian who helped raise the case against the three men, claims they insulted both Islam and the prophet Mohammed and that they threatened him when he "re-converted" to Islam after converting to Christianity for a short time and attending a Bible school.
Some have questioned Al-Aid's claims, however, due to his reported ties with radical Muslims that existed even during his time as a Christian.
After hearing the arguments of both parties on Tuesday, the judge scheduled Oct. 29 as the date on which the case would be decided.
As the men await the decision, Jonathan Racho, ICC's regional manager for Africa, has urged for the Algerian government to keep in mind its obligation to respect the freedom of religion of its Christian minorities.
"It is time for Algerian officials to carry out their obligations by ceasing to interfere with freedom of worship of the country's Christian minorities," he said.
