When posts are viewed on social media, few people think about the legal consequences of sharing them.
In 2018, Hamid (surname withheld for security reasons) shared a cartoon he had received on Facebook and thought nothing more of it. He was contacted by police about it at the time, but the case was dropped – until officials showed up at his door three years later. By the next day, the 43-year-old poultry farmer had been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for allegedly insulting Mohammed.
Sources: Morning Star News, VOM Canada contacts
Hamid is a father of four, with the eldest being six years old. He is a simple labourer who can barely read or write. One of his children is seriously ill and his wife is distraught over his arrest. When Hamid was taken for a hearing on 21 January, he believed the matter would be dropped again and agreed to appear before the judge that afternoon.
However, during the meeting he was quickly convicted and sentenced. His lawyer believes that there is a good chance they can get the sentence reduced on appeal.
Let us pray.
- Ask the Lord to grant Hamid His strength and protection. Pray he and his family will receive much love, care and support from other believers.
- Pray that the appeals process will proceed quickly and the case will soon be soon resolved favourably.
- Remember in prayer the various legal cases presently taking place against Christians in Algeria, including those relating to the country’s mandated church closures. Pray the churches will be a light to the many Algerian’s suffering from the consequences of the pandemic.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask (crave) of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 Lord Jesus I ask you will help Hamid to pray your name over ever matter in his life and that You will help him to hear and follow Your advice and I claim this promise in James 1:5 over his life.
O Blessed Lord Jesus and giver of your Holy Spirit, bring joy and comfort to Hamid and his family as they endure this terrible time of adversity. Give them strength and protection but most of all grace and patience as they live for Christ. We ask that the appeals process might be swift and in favour of truth and justice and that Christians in Algeria might honour and pray for one another. Help them to imitate Christ as explained by Peter in 1 Peter 2Vs21-23, 21
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 ‘He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.’[e]
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” Lord have mercy and may we faithful uphold them in prayer and with our offerings.
Lord people mock your name all the time . Your name is blasphemed daily on social media, the tv, in movies, and all the entertainment industry.
Yet no one is sent to prison for that. How many muslims use your name in the most blasphemous ways, yet us christians don’t call for them to be tortured or beheaded. No we ask for you to show them your truth so they can come to know you.
Yet its only a crime to defame Mohammed or Allah in this world.
We pray for Hamid as he deals with this very unjust sentence, that you Lord will overturn. Give him the strength and wisdom he needs to get through this and be there for his family also. We pray for all christians in Algeria who face continual persecution for their faith. Lord uplift them with your mighty hand, and pour all your love, peace, joy ,strength, wisdom, truth, compassion and provision to get them through.
In your amazing name we pray Yeshua.
Gear Father, we pray for Hamid and his dear wife and children. Father we ask that you will make a way for him to return to his family soon. Please May the whole family know your kind and generous support at this difficult time. Please never leave them but always provide for them each day. May their Christian friends support them so they never feel abandoned. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.