Christian leaders in Algeria have asked for international support following several recent incidents that threaten the human rights, and especially the religious rights, of Christians in the country, according to a February 7 report from Middle East Concern. Believers are under pressure in the following three ways:
First, there is a sustained and intense media campaign against the church. Throughout January, major Algerian newspapers carried articles expressing concern about the growth of Christianity in the country. The amount of detail in some articles suggests that informants have been attending some fellowships.
Second, seven Christian fellowships are known to have been closed by the authorities. Several church leaders were told to bring an official license issued by a government committee that was established by legal decree in 2007 but has not yet been formed or held its first meeting. The affected fellowships are in Ait Amar, Ait Djemaa, Bachloul, Boughni, Ouargla, Tiaret and Tizi Ouzou.
Third, several believers have been formally charged. There were several trials in 2007 but no Christian was convicted. On February 5, 2008 three Christian believers, Youssef Ourahmane, Hamid Ramadani and Rashid Essaghir, accused of insulting Islam, were told that they will be sentenced to three years in prison and fined 5,000 Euros. The official written sentence was set to be given on February 12. Another believer, Djallal Dahmani, has been told to report for a further hearing on March 5, despite the fact that witnesses who testified against him admitted that they did not know him. He has been told that he will be imprisoned for one year and fined heavily. In a third case, Brahim Ouidir has been told his trial will be held on April 2. This date has been changed several times.
Algerian Christians request our prayers that the media attention will have a positive impact on the church, drawing more people to respond to the love and truth of Jesus. Also, that the closed fellowships will be allowed to reopen and that all members will find worship and fellowship with others. Pray for those who were due to be sentenced on February 12. Pray that the brothers on trial on March 5 and April 2 will be acquitted. Pray that officials involved will hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and respond to His love.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Algeria, click here.
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