UPDATE: Algeria: Release of those sentenced for breaking the Ramadan fast
On 29 September, a court in Biskra sentenced 6 men to 4 years in prison and a 1000 euro fine, for eating in public during the fasting hours of Ramadan. The verdict has since been overturned and the prisoners have been freed.
Although the Algerian constitution guarantees the freedoms of belief, religion and conscience, the original verdict was based on article 144 (a) 2 of the Penal Code, stipulating that « tout individu qui porte atteinte aux préceptes de l’Islam par des écrits, des dessins ou tout autre moyen est passible de lourdes peines » [“any individual who undermines the precepts of Islam in writings, drawings or by any other means is liable to serious penalty” --ed.].
For further details (in French) please see here:
Mise à jour: Algerie: Condamnés par le tribunal de Biskra pour non-respect du Ramadhan : Les prévenus relaxés par la cour d’appel (El Watan)
11/10/2008: Les 6 hommes condamnés le 29 septembre 2008 à 4 ans de prison ferme assortis de 100 000 DA d’amende pour « non-respect d’un fondement de l’Islam » ont été acquittés hier par le tribunal pénal près la cour de justice de Biskra. http://wluml.org/french/newsfulltxt.shtml?cmd[157]=x-157-562678
For background to this case, please see here: http://wluml.org/english/newsfulltxt.shtml?cmd[157]=x-157-562652
Source:
El Watan / WLUML Networkers
Submitted on Sun, 10/12/2008 - 23:00
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