Appeals Denied for Pastor and Bookstore Salesman

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

In addition to pastoring the Oran City Church in Algeria, Rachid Seighir owned and operated a book and stationery shop, where Nouh Hamimi worked as a salesman. On February 27th, both men were convicted of "shaking the faith" of Muslims through the literature that was sold at their bookstore. In June, the initial two-year sentences given to the accused men were reduced to one-year suspended sentences. These sentences were in addition to the separate fines imposed by the court. (See this report for more details.)

The two men appealed the verdict, convinced that they are innocent of all charges. However, on September 26th, the regional court of appeals upheld the verdict. Pastor Rachid and Nouh intend to pursue further appeals.

Please continue to prayerfully remember our Algerian brothers in Christ as they now need to prepare for yet another appeal hearing. Pray that justice will prevail for Pastor Rachid and Nouh, asking the Lord to intervene in the hearts and minds of court officials on their behalf. May these sentenced believers sense the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit with them each day, giving them renewed strength, courage and wisdom. Ask Him to meet their needs, as well as those of their families, while providing them many opportunities to share the Good News of the Gospel with others. May all who are in search of a meaningful relationship with their Creator be led to salvation through faith in His Son Jesus.

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.