An Algerian Christian has been sentenced to five years in prison for sharing his faith with his neighbor.
According to International Christian Concern, Siagh Krimo was given the sentence last week in Djamel District, Oran, Algeria.
Krimo was charged of proselytizing after his neighbor made a complaint, and accused him of making defamatory statements against the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
He 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.’
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.”
Krimo, who is a husband and father, now faces the bleak prospect of spending the next five years in prison, unless he managed to stage a successful appeal against the judgment. According to ICC, Krimo has 10 days to appeal the sentence.
