Algerian Christians request further prayer for Slimane Bouhafs, a Christian imprisoned for blasphemy in September 2016.
On 8th May Slimane was transferred from Constantine Prison to Jijel Prison. This is the third prison in which Slimane has been detained. He was originally held at Sétif Prison and in October 2016 was transferred to Constantine Prison. There has been concern for his physical and psychological well-being following assaults by fellow prisoners in Constantine Prison, prompting his family to request a transfer to Oued Ghir Prison in Bejaia. His family have been particularly concerned that he could be vulnerable to further abuse during the forthcoming month of Ramadan.
The transfer to Jijel rather than Bejaia came as a surprise to Slimane’s family. There has not yet been any response to Slimane’s family principal request, made in October, for a presidential pardon.
On 6th September 2016 Slimane, a convert from Islam to Christianity from the Kabylie area, was convicted of blasphemy by a court in Sétif. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment because of material he had posted on Facebook which was considered “insulting to the Prophet and Islam”.
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Prayer points
Algerian Christians request prayer:
a. that Slimane and his family will experience the peace of Jesus and the comfort of the Holy Spirit
b. for Slimane’s safety in Jijel Prison, especially during the month of Ramadan
c. that he will know the Lord’s healing and strength
d. that he will be granted a presidential pardon and released from prison
e. that the authorities will uphold freedom of expression and religion, and cease attempts to intimidate Christians, and that the church in Algeria will maintain a faithful witness
