Photo: Middle East Concern
Slimane Bouhafs, who has been imprisoned since September 2016 for alleged blasphemy, ended his hunger strike in mid-October at the urging of his family. The Christian prisoner's hunger strike began following the court's rejection (on October 2nd) of an application that was presented for his conditional release. The application was made on the basis of his deteriorating health and consistent record of good conduct. The court provided no reason for the rejection of his application.
On August 7th of last year, Slimane was sentenced to five years' imprisonment -- which had been reduced in early September to three years -- after posting information on Facebook which was considered blasphemous against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. Then, in July of this year, he received a partial presidential pardon which reduced his sentence by a further 16 months.
Considering that Slimane currently has an estimated eight months left of his prison sentence, pray that he will be continually renewed by God's Spirit, regaining strength and increasing in faith and love. May the Lord also bring needed assurance and peace to his loved ones who are concerned for his physical and psychological well-being, as they await Slimane's release with the anticipation of being reunited with him.
Population
