Algerian Christian Slimane Bouhafs has had his five-year jail sentence for committing blasphemy against Islam and its prophet on social media reduced to three years following an appeal. A fine of 100,000 dinars ($US900) was also dropped.
Mr Bouhafs, 49, had appealed against the five-year sentence, which was the maximum possible punishment he could have faced, saying he had only spoken out against radical Islam and terrorism.
The Algerian League for Human Rights (LADDH), working on behalf of Mr Bouhafs and the Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA), called the decision to keep Bouhafs in jail “amazing and offensive” and said it will now take his case to the Supreme Court.
“Although the sentence has been reduced, LADDH considers imprisonment for this accusations a serious precedent and this is inconsistent with the Constitution and the universal declaration of human rights,” wrote Saïd Salhi, LADDH vice president, in a statement.
Mr Salhi added that his organisation “will continue to follow and explore all ways and legal means to free Bouhafs, especially because his health condition doesn’t allow him stay there; this imprisonment is putting his life in danger”.
Mr Bouhafs was arrested on 31st July for posting a message on social media about the light of Jesus overcoming the “lie” of Islam and its prophet. He also published photos showing the execution of a civilian by an Islamist terrorist.
