An Algerian court sentenced a man who called a child a “little whore” because of the way she dressed, to two years in prison, one year of which is suspended, and a fine of 200,000 dinars, in a case that had sparked widespread controversy in Algeria in recent weeks.
This verdict came a week after the Boufarik court prosecutor's office requested a three-year prison sentence and a fine of 300,000 dinars. The defendant was prosecuted for the offenses of discrimination and violating a child's privacy through publications likely to harm him, based on the provisions of Law No. 20-05 concerning the prevention and combating of discrimination and hate speech, in addition to Article 140 of Law No. 15-12 concerning child protection.
During the trial, the defendant, who identifies himself as a Salafist, admitted to being the person in the viral video. However, he denied any intention of harming the child or inciting violence against her, asserting that his aim was to advise parents about what he considered disturbing social phenomena. He told the court that his words had failed him, indicating that he deleted the video after facing criticism and then posted another video apologizing for his actions.
According to those present at the trial, the accused, who, according to his own words, did not exceed the second year of middle school and works in the construction field, stated that the limited level of his education may have been the reason for the poor choice of words, stressing that his heart was “free from any intention to harm,” and renewing his apology before the court.
In his plea, the public prosecutor stressed that “children are a red line,” emphasizing that protecting children is a collective responsibility, and that crimes targeting them, whether in reality or through social media, cannot be tolerated.
On this basis, he requested a sentence of three years imprisonment and a fine of 300,000 dinars, before the court decided to postpone the pronouncement of the verdict to today’s session, August 12.
For its part, the National Authority for the Protection and Promotion of Childhood, which was established as a civil party in the case, stressed that Algeria has ratified international agreements for the protection of children, and has strengthened protection mechanisms in recent years, including the establishment of a cyber vigilance unit to monitor the risks that children may be exposed to through the digital space.
In contrast, the defendant’s lawyer argued that there was no criminal intent, considering that his client did not mention the girl’s name or identity directly, and that his goal was limited to giving advice and warning about the dangers that children may be exposed to, especially in light of the increasing number of sexual assault cases against minors.
He also argued that the elements of the hate speech crime were not present in this case, demanding that his client be acquitted in principle, and alternatively acquitted due to reasonable doubt, while submitting a document containing testimonies confirming the good conduct of the accused within his social environment.
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