On Tuesday October 7, 2008, a human rights defender reported that six people in Algeria have been accused of non-respect of Muslims Ramadan fasting, and have been sentenced to four years in prison each by the court of Biskra (420 Km south of Algiers).
The convicted people, also sentenced to a fine of 1,000 euros each, they have been arrested while eating in a public place during the month of Ramadan which ended on September 30, as explained the honorary chairman of the Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights, Mr. Ali Yahia Abdennour.
According to the counsel, the act for which six people were convicted "not mentioned by any legal prohibition." "The Algerian constitution guarantees freedom of conscience," he said.
During Ramadan, month of prayers and abstinence, the faithful Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relationships from sunrise to sunset.

AFP

Tranlation L.F