The legendary tolerance of Islam in action: two Christians charged with " insulting Islam "for failing to Ramadan.
Salem Fellak Hocini and Hocine grabbed headlines since last August when they were arrested by police in a private yard in the town of Ain El Hammam, Kabylie. Their crime? Do not observe fasting. Presented to the Deputy Prosecutor of the Republic, they are accused of insulting Islam on the basis of Article 144 bis 2 of the Algerian penal code. Their indictment has caused widespread outrage and an outpouring of support and solidarity. For the first time, Salem Fellak agrees to testify for DNA.
Regret? Apologize? Anything but regret or apology, "said Salem. Je do apologize for anything and I do not regret anything! I have the right not to Lent. I am a Christian and until proven guilty, the Algerian constitution guarantees respect for individual freedoms."On the phone, Fellak Salem, 34, speaks in a calm voice. But farm raised.Originally from the village Ait Mansour Salem lives last year the city of Ain El Hammam, where his family rented a pied-à-terre. No occupation, Salem lends his arms to anyone who will use it. Masonry trade, building painting, field work, the man does not balk at the task. Twelve and thirteen business woes. He recounts his misadventure.
They were in a private place when the police call out
" Thursday, August 12, we were, me and my friend Hocine, in the yard. We deposited a load of bricks in the third floor of the building. At noon, we stop for a bite. The occasion also to quench their thirst in the throat early August heat wave. The police station is next to the site. While we sat behind the bricks to eat away from prying eyes, police watched us from a window of the office. "While these two seasonal lunch quietly, two policemen arrive on the scene. " You do not Ramadan? "inquired one of the policemen. " Why do not Ramadan , "asks another.
Converted to Christianity, the two men do not feel concerned by the Muslim ritual.
Although these two women are caught in a private place, the police nonetheless decided to embark. Caught warrantless, whatever. The police act as they please.Inside the police station, the two men are asked to wait some time before interrogation. More than two hours in the local police to have to explain, justify, argue, defend themselves. During interrogation, the police revealed that Salem is Christian - Hocine is also Christian. " You're Christian? ", asked a policeman. " Yes, I am a Christian and I'm not fasting , "says Salem. The latter provided Hocine then had a few admonitions. " It gave me a moral lesson , "he says again.
Christianity, it is converted Salem since 2009. In his family, he is not alone in having embraced the faith of Jesus Christ. His two younger sisters, jobless and who left school early, have also converted to this religion. After the hearing, a police officer holds up a minutes to Salem. " I did not even know what was mentioned in the document I was forced to sign , "said the young man. This denier acknowledges that neither he nor his companion Hocine have been mistreated.
Branch office of the prosecutor
The interrogation ended, Salem and Hocine are immediately taken to court in Ain El Hammam to be heard by the Assistant Attorney of the Republic. The magistrate asked why they do not observe Ramadan. Once again, they say they are not affected by this ritual, they were arrested in a private place and above all they are Christians and therefore not affected by observation of fasting.
"But this is our country! We are Algerian, and our parents are Christians. We committed no crime. "
Faced with the aplomb shown by the two men, the judge is out of joint. Salem remembers about the assistant prosecutor: " She told us: "Since you are Christians, we must leave this country, a Muslim country."Far from being impressed by the reaction of the judge, our two seasonal refuse to unmount. Salem replied: " But this is our country! We are Algerian, and our parents are Christians. We committed no crime. "Visibly upset by the attitude of the two" infidel ", the Deputy Attorney-ordered them to leave the office not before being served their indictment for" insulting Islam ". Salem and Hocine are summoned to court Wednesday, Aug. 18.Before the mobilization of citizens, their trial was postponed until September 21.
Elan national and international solidarity
Since their arrest and indictment, Hocine and Salem have received support from the national and international community. A chain of solidarity has been established in Algeria and abroad to support them, help them, counsel them. " Citizens have come to show solidarity with me and my friend Hocine , "says Salem. In Ain El Hammam, newspaper articles, including the investigation of DNA, have been copied and posted on the walls of the city in protest and solidarity. According to Salem, the police would have removed these displays. Pending trial scheduled Tuesday, Sept. 21, Salem Fellak and Hocine Hocini show great serenity. " I have the right not to fast and to practice my chosen religion, says Salem. I am Algerian and constitution of my country guarantees me the right as it protects me from arbitrariness.
Source : Latest News from Algeria via Kabylia Info
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