12/26/2018 Algeria (International Christian Concern) –  All charges have been dismissed against four Algerian Christians, three of whom belong to the same family, who were accused of “inciting a Muslim to change his religion.”  This charge carries a punishment of up to five years in prison and fine as high as $8,700.

In July 2018, a woman accused her husband of converting to Christianity from Islam. A Christian family tried to mitigate the family conflict, which lead the woman to accuse them of also wanting her to convert. Charges against the Christians were dismissed on December 25. The case can be appealed by the prosecution within the next ten days.

Algeria’s constitution provides for the freedom of worship but declares Islam to be the state religion. Christian outreach is prohibited under Ordinance 6-3 of 2006. Officially, Christians make up less than 1% of the population. Over the past year, Algeria has cracked down on the practice of Christianity as the authorities attempt to consolidate their oversight of churches.

For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].