05/01/2019 Algeria (International Christian Concern) –  Two separate court cases involving Algerian Christians are scheduled this month as the authorities continue to pressure believers by restricting access to corporate worship.

The first case is scheduled to be heard on May 16^th. The defendant is the owner of land in the village of Azaghar who is charged with allowing unauthorized worship to occur on his property. Christians began worshiping outside in a tent when police sealed the property’s church in October 2018. The 400-member church is legally recognized through membership with the EPA (Église Protestante d’Algérie).

Many churches associated with the EPA have been closed by the police for building safety code violations. This church fixed the violations, but remains closed. For this reason, the congregation began worshiping just outside the church and now the landowner is facing charges.

The second case involves the second largest protestant church in Algeria. The church’s leader has been verbally told that he will face charges for violating the building plans.

The Algerian authorities have heavily pressured Christians through multiple church closures since 2017. A 2006 ordinance was supposed to create a system for non-Muslim houses of worship to receive permits, but none have ever been issued.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].