Hindu Vivek Kendra
A RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE PROMOTION OF HINDUTVA
   
 
 
«« Back
Algerian Christians under trial for breaking Ramzan fast

Algerian Christians under trial for breaking Ramzan fast

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.


Back                          Top

«« Back
 
 
 
  Search Articles
 
  Special Annoucements