Algerian Christian receives five-year prison sentence for blasphemy

According to International Christian Concern, Siagh Krimo was sentenced by the criminal court in Djamel District, Oran, last Wednesday.

The charges were brought against him after he shared his faith with a neighbour. The neighbour accused him of proselytising and making defamatory statements against the prophet Muhammad.

The court ruling came just days after authorities forced the permanent closure of seven Protestant churches in the province of Bejaia.

Krimo was sentenced under Article 144 bis 2 of the Algerian Penal Code which makes it a criminal offence to "insult the prophet" or "denigrate the creed and precepts of Islam".

According to ICC, the husband and father has 10 days to appeal the sentence.

Aidan Clay, ICC Regional Manager for the Middle East, said: "Algerian Christians have been under attack in recent weeks as laws have been increasingly enforced to discriminate against them.

"While Algeria professes that it upholds religious freedom, it also embraces a blasphemy law that, by its very nature, can be used to prosecute anyone who does not adhere to the religion of Islam.

"We urge Algeria to acquit Siagh of all charges and repeal Article 144 bis 2 of the Penal Code."