09/29/2021 Algeria (International Christian Concern) –  Pastor Rachid and Nouh Hamimi’s appeal sentences were upheld by regional courts on September 26. The two Algerian Christians were fined approximately $1,500 USD and given a one-year suspended prison sentence.

The two were first convicted in absentia of “proselytization” on February 27 after a 2017 raid on the book shop where the two work revealed Christian publications and Bibles. They have been seeking to appeal their sentencing since May. Pastor Rachid, the pastor of the Oran City Church (L’Oratoire) and owner of the book shop, also is experiencing trials with persecution against his church.

On June 6, court orders were given to close Oran City church along with two others in Oran province. On July 7 the three churches were sealed. In total, 17 churches have been sealed and four more have received threats but not officially closed. ICC’s briefing on religious freedom in Algeria expands on the plight of the country’s Protestant churches, “As the country has emerged from COVID, there has been an increase of activity relating to criminal charges pressed against individual Christians, namely protestants. Now more than ever is the time for the international community to pressure Algeria to reverse course and protect the rights of its Christian minority.”

For interviews, please contact Addison Parker: [email protected].