In August and September Middle East Concern issued prayer requests for Slimane Bouhafs (49), an Algerian Christian man who on 6th September was convicted of blasphemy and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.
Because of Slimane’s deteriorating health, his family and the Algerian Human Rights League (the LADDH) made a public appeal in October for a presidential pardon, but without success. A support group organised a demonstration on Saturday 19th November in front of the Ministry of Justice building. The police asked the demonstrators to return another day, explaining that no officials were available to deal with their demands. The LADDH is planning to organise another demonstration on Sunday 4th December.
Slimane was initially imprisoned in Sétif and was then transferred a month ago to the prison at Constantine in the east of the country. Earlier this month Slimane’s daughter, who has visited him in prison, stated that other inmates had attempted to assault him after he reacted to a talk by an imam who is strongly opposed to non-Muslims in the country. His family have asked the authorities to transfer Slimane to another prison to ensure his safety.
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Prayer points
Christians in Algeria ask for prayer:
a. that Slimane and his family will experience the peace of Jesus and the comfort of the Holy Spirit
b. that attempts to attack Slimane will cease, and that his safety will be ensured – by transfer to another prison if necessary
c. for a presidential pardon for Slimane
d. for freedom of religion, freedom of speech and tolerance in Algeria, so that Christians can live and worship in peace
