A Christian imprisoned for three years for “insulting Islam and the prophet Muhammad” in his social media posts has received a partial presidential pardon.
Slimane Bouhafs, who converted to Christianity from Islam in 1997, was arrested almost a year ago on 31st July, 2016, for posting a message on social media about the light of Jesus overcoming the “lie” of Islam and its prophet. Such a message was judged by the authorities to insult Islam – the state religion in Algeria, according to its constitution.
He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on 6th September, 2016.
But now his sentence has been reduced by 16 months, following a partial pardon granted by Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Algeria’s independence (5th July).
This pardon means he could be released in nine months from now.
The announcement was made this week by Mr Bouhafs’ daughter Thilleli, after the family was informed of the pardon by the public prosecutor.
According to them, Mr Bouhafs’ good conduct during his incarceration contributed to his pardon.
His family, supported by Algerian and international human-rights groups, have never stopped protesting against the verdict. The Algerian League for Human Rights (LADDH) called his trial “arbitrary” and the verdict “part of an escalation” against non-Muslims in Algeria.
According to his daughter, Mr Bouhafs’ health has deteriorated significantly since his arrest, exacerbating an existing condition – he suffers from inflammatory rheumatism, which requires a diet that is impossible to ensure in prison.
He reportedly also suffers aggression from his fellow prisoners because of his Christian faith, about which he is open. That is why the family has filed a new request to grant him conditional release for health reasons.
