During August Middle East Concern issued prayer requests for Slimane Bouhafs (49), an Algerian Christian man who on 6th August was convicted of blasphemy against Islam and its Prophet. He was fined heavily and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment – the maximum punishment. L’Église Protestante d’Algérie (the EPA, the Protestant Church of Algeria) filed an appeal against the verdict with the help of the Algerian League for Human Rights (the LADDH).
The appeal court hearing was on 30th August. The verdict was announced on 6th September. Slimane Bouhafs was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. The LADDH have stated that they will do everything possible to achieve Slimane’s release. An appeal will be made to the supreme court.
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Prayer points
Please pray:
a. that Slimane, his family and his church will experience the peace of Jesus and the comfort of the Holy Spirit at this very difficult time
b. that Slimane’s appeal to the supreme court will be successful, and that he will be acquitted of all charges
c. for his health – Slimane suffers from gout, and there are concerns that his condition may deteriorate as a result of this ordeal and the conditions in prison
d. for an end to the ongoing intimidation of Christians by the authorities, and that the fundamental right to religious freedom will be respected for all Algerians
