Additional Name(s): شريف محمد علي

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Algeria

Religion or Belief: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Date of Detainment: June/5/2022

Date of Sentencing: September/20/2022

Date of Release: November/9/2022

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Attending a Religious Gathering or Meeting Blasphemy (General) Blasphemy (Doctrine) Blasphemy (Religious Figures) Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Blasphemy Illegal Assembly

Cherif Mohamed Ali

Extra Bio Info:

Cherif Mohamed Ali was imprisoned for his religious belief and activity.

On June 5, 2022, police in Bejaia detained 24 Ahmadis, including Ali, and reportedly interrogated them for 14 hours. Authorities reportedly interrogated the community in April 2022 about their religious beliefs and confiscated their passports, cellphones, and laptops. A family member of another Ahmadi detainee reported that the community was targeted for gathering together to discuss and study their religion.

On June 6, 2022, the First Instance Tribunal in Bejaia charged Ali and the other Ahmadis with “participation in an unauthorized group” (Art. 46 Law on Associations) and “offending the Prophet” and “denigrating the creed and precepts of Islam” (Art.144 bis 2 APC). While 21 of the individuals were released after appearing in court, Ali was sent to Oued Ghir Prison in Bejaia.

On September 20, 2022, the Court of Bajaia sentenced Ali to one year in prison with fines.

On November 9, 2022, the High Court of Bajaia overturned its decision, and Ali was released from prison.

Related Cases: Redouane Foufa, Khireddine Ahman

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