Video - Islamist Politician Demands Execution of Algerian Author Kamel Daoud for Blasphemy in His Book

In December, several Algerian TV channels interviewed Islamist politician Abdelfattah Hamadache and author Kamel Daoud, after Hamadache called Daoud to be put to death for blasphemy following the publication of his novel.

In a program aired on El-Bilad TV, Hamadache called Daoud a "deviant creature" and a "collaborator," and said: "I have the right to demand that he be executed." On programs aired on Khabar TV and Echorouk TV, Daoud defended his writing and said that while discussion and debate are welcome, violence and the sanctioning of killing are not.