Algerian Christian Sentenced To 5 Years For Blasphemy

International Christian Concern reports that last Wednesday the Criminal Court in Algeria's Djamel District sentenced an Algerian Christian, Siagh Krimo, to five years in prison for violating Art. 144 bis 2 of Algeria's Penal Code. That section prohibits acts that "insult the prophet and any of the messengers of God, or denigrate the creed and precepts of Islam...." Krimo's neighbor, who did not appear as a witness, accused Krimo of Christian proselytizing and of making defamatory statements against the Prophet Muhammad. Krimo holds weekly prayer servies at his home which apparently are monitored closely by Algerian police.