Christian Sentenced in Algeria

17 April 2008

An Algerian Christian was handed a two-year suspended sentence on April 9 for giving a Bible to an undercover police officer, according to an April 10 report from Compass Direct. The written verdict convicting the Christian for "proselytism" was delivered on April 2 by a court in Tiaret, 150 miles southwest of Algiers.

The believer, who wished to remain anonymous, gave the Bible to the policeman who posed as someone interested in Christianity and insisted in obtaining a copy of the Scriptures. He plans to appeal the suspended sentence, which includes a fine of 100,000 dinars ($1540 CAD).

Ask God to give peace and boldness to this believer during this time (Philippians 4:5-7). Continue to pray for the Church in Algeria as it faces ongoing opposition for the sake of Christ.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Algeria, vist Algeria's Country Report.

Algeria

Algeria Information

Current Ministry Projects
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada is equipping persecuted Christians in Algeria with biblical and theological training through the support of a seminary that provides contextually biblical and relevant training.

Project Funds: Underground Church, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defence
Country Information
Population
44,758,398 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Aran-Berber (99), European (<1)

Religions (%)
Muslim (99), Other, Christian and Jewish (<1)

Leader
Abdelmadjid Tebboune (Dec. 2019)

Government type
Presidential republic

Legal system
mix of French civil law and Islamic law

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Algeria
Pray that God will use the current restrictions to draw many more Algerians into a relationship with Christ. Pray for conversions to Jesus among the country’s powerful Islamist leaders.

Pray Algerian believers will respond to pressure with faith and perseverance.

Pray for the nation's young people, who make up a large percentage of the population in general, as well as the majority of Christians. May they not be frustrated or disillusioned but rather strengthened and encouraged in Christ Jesus.

Algeria News

Sentence Upheld for Pastor Youssef Ourahmane

Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
Photo: Middle East Concern

Pastor Youssef Ourahmane is a senior pastor and vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA). In March 2023, he was charged with organizing an unauthorized religious assembly and sentenced to two years in prison, along with a fine of 100,000 dinars (approximately $1,000 CAD). Following an appeal of the verdict, the pastor's conviction was upheld, but his sentence was reduced to one year in prison.

Read more...
Appeal Scheduled for Pastor Youssef Ourahmane

Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
Photo: Middle East Concern

Pastor Youssef Ourahmane serves as the vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA). Following a three-day gathering with a few Christian families in March 2023, he was charged with organizing an unauthorized religious assembly. In September, the pastor was sentenced to two years in prison, along with a fine. During an appeal hearing in November, the court ruled to uphold the verdict, but reduced the Christian leader's sentence to one year.

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Church Leader Loses Appeal

Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
Photo: Middle East Concern

Pastor Youssef Ourahmane is a senior pastor who oversees a number of churches and Bible schools in Algeria, in addition to serving as the vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA) – an association composed of more than 45 Protestant churches.

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Church Leader Convicted in Absentia

Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
Photo: Middle East Concern

Pastor Youssef Ourahmane is the vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA), an association consisting of more than 45 Protestant churches. Along with this leadership role, he also serves as a senior pastor who oversees a number of churches and Bible schools.

Read more...