Christians Facing Two Years' Imprisonment

Rev. Rachid Seighir - Photo: Facebook via Morning Star News
Rev. Rachid Seighir
Photo: Facebook via Morning Star News

Along with the issuance of a substantial fine, a court in Algeria has sentenced Pastor Rachid Seighir and Nouh Hamimi to two years in prison. These Christians are being accused of "shaking the faith" of Muslims for having made Christian literature available at the bookstore they managed. The men found out about the February 27th ruling when a notice was slipped under the door of their church building.

The Christian bookstore has faced legal problems for many years. In 2008, Pastor Rachid was convicted of similar charges but acquitted on appeal. In 2017, the state governor ordered the store to close. While that decision was reversed the following year, the authorities refused to allow the Christians to reopen the shop.

When the Oratoire Church, where Pastor Rachid serves in leadership, was also ordered to close in late 2019, he acknowledged that many ministry opportunities had come about as a result. "Everyone has heard of the church and is talking about it too," he added. (To review a previously posted report, see this page.) Pastor Rachid believes that the recent conviction took place in retaliation for the previous acquittals. The two Christians have since appealed their convictions and sentences.

Pray that Pastor Rachid and Nouh will seize opportunities to display the light of the Gospel to those around them in the midst of these difficulties. Ask the Lord to intervene in future court rulings, not only granting these two believers rightful freedom but also allowing the Oratoire Church and bookstore to reopen. In general, please lift up all of Algeria's persecuted believers in your prayers, asking that they will be given the wisdom and strength to respond with overcoming faith and perseverance.

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
    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.

  • Appeal Scheduled for Pastor Youssef Ourahmane
    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.

  • Church Leader Loses Appeal
    Youssef Ourahmane
    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.

  • Church Leader Convicted in Absentia
    Youssef Ourahmane
    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.