Author: AFP
Publication: The Times of India
Date: September 21, 2010
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Algerian-Christians-under-trial-for-breaking-Ramzan-fast/articleshow/6600809.cms
Two Algerian Christians were tried on Tuesday
for breaking Ramadan fasting rules, with hundreds of people protesting outside
the courtroom against judicial authorities.
Hocine Hocini and Salem Fellak were arrested
on August 13 on the building site where they worked in the northern region
of Kabylie after they were spotted eating lunch, which they admit to doing
but insist happened in a discreet place.
Muslims are not allowed to eat during daylight
hours during the Ramadan holy month, and in Algeria breaking the fast can
be punished with three months in jail.
"I am optimistic," Hocini, who is
a Protestant, said as he left the courtroom in Ain el Hammam after the hearing.
The verdict is due on October 5.
"We are innocent, and we haven't done
any harm to anyone," he said. "We are Christians and we have not
eaten in a public place," he said.
Hundreds of people supporting the two accused
gathered outside the court and shouted slogans against the judiciary.
"Algeria has ratified international conventions
on freedom of religion. This is a violation pure and simple of the constitution,"
said defence lawyer Mokrane Ait Larbi.
The Muslim majority north African country
has a small Christian population.