Imprisoned Christian Ends Hunger Strike

Slimane Bouhafs
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.

Algeria Information

  • Current Ministry Projects

    The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is equipping persecuted Christians in Algeria with biblical and theological training through the support of a seminary that provides contextually biblical and relevant training.

    Project Funds: Underground Church, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defence

  • Country Information

    Population
    44,758,398 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Aran-Berber (99), European (<1)

    Religions (%)
    Muslim (99), Other, Christian and Jewish (<1)

    Leader
    Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Dec. 2019)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    mix of French civil law and Islamic law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Algeria

    Pray that God will use the current restrictions to draw many more Algerians into a relationship with Christ. Pray for conversions to Jesus among the country’s powerful Islamist leaders.

    Pray Algerian believers will respond to pressure with faith and perseverance.

    Pray for the nation's young people, who make up a large percentage of the population in general, as well as the majority of Christians. May they not be frustrated or disillusioned but rather strengthened and encouraged in Christ Jesus.

Algeria News

  • Appeal Scheduled for Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Photo: Middle East Concern

    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane serves as the vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA). Following a three-day gathering with a few Christian families in March 2023, he was charged with organizing an unauthorized religious assembly. In September, the pastor was sentenced to two years in prison, along with a fine. During an appeal hearing in November, the court ruled to uphold the verdict, but reduced the Christian leader's sentence to one year.

  • Church Leader Loses Appeal
    Youssef Ourahmane
    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Photo: Middle East Concern

    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane is a senior pastor who oversees a number of churches and Bible schools in Algeria, in addition to serving as the vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA) – an association composed of more than 45 Protestant churches.

  • Church Leader Convicted in Absentia
    Youssef Ourahmane
    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    Photo: Middle East Concern

    Pastor Youssef Ourahmane is the vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA), an association consisting of more than 45 Protestant churches. Along with this leadership role, he also serves as a senior pastor who oversees a number of churches and Bible schools.