The question is: which people are protesting?
When I first saw this story…
AIN EL HAMMAM: Two Algerian Christians were tried on Tuesday for breaking Ramadan fasting rules, with hundreds of people protesting outside the courtroom against judicial authorities.
…my first instinct was to write some sarcastic “Coexist!” kind of post. And except for that second sentence, I might have done just that.
But that second sentence…it intrigued me.
First, more explanation:
Hocine Hocini and Salem Fellak were arrested on August 13 on the building site where they worked in the northern region of Kabylie after they were spotted eating lunch, which they admit to doing but insist happened in a discreet place.
Muslims are not allowed to eat during daylight hours during the Ramadan holy month, and in Algeria breaking the fast can be punished with three months in jail.
Drawing a parallel between this and imprisoning Muslims in the West for committing “honor killings” in three…two…one…
But:
Hundreds of people supporting the two accused gathered outside the court and shouted slogans against the judiciary.
“Algeria has ratified international conventions on freedom of religion. This is a violation pure and simple of the constitution,” said defence lawyer Mokrane Ait Larbi.
That’s a good thing. My question is: are the protesters Muslims?
I’m kind of hoping yes.
Via Weasel Zippers.
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