Algerian government has begun open oppression of Christians

ICC Note

“Three Algerian brothers were just found guilty and sentenced to three years of prison and fined $750. The crime: discrediting the religion and the person of the Prophet, i.e. Islam and Mohamed. This was apparently the first such decision in Algeria according to the new law. Algerian Christians are not surprised but they are alarmed.”

By Michael Ireland

Friday, February 15, 2008 Algeria (ANS) — At the end of February, 2006, a new law was adopted in Algeria incriminating numerous acts linked to the exercise of non-Muslim religious worship (i.e. Christian) with punishment including up to 5 years imprisonment and heavy fines.

An American living and working in France , who asked not to be named, says the Algerian government is now starting to use this law against the Algerian Evangelical Christians.

He writes to ANS: “Three Algerian brothers were just found guilty and sentenced to three years of prison and fined $750. The crime: discrediting the religion and the person of the Prophet, i.e. Islam and Mohamed. This was apparently the first such decision in Algeria according to the new law. Algerian Christians are not surprised but they are alarmed.”

The American says the outbreak of oppression is clearly targeting the Evangelicals in Algeria in order to stop the growth of this movement.

“Local authorities and police are working together to deliver legal orders to the communities that they must stop all their church activities or suffer the consequences. The reason — it is against the law! Eight churches have so far received these official notifications. Some police agents are requiring written lists of all persons present during a worship time and a written text of the preaching with the name of the preacher. Penalties are doubled for preachers.

According to the American, in Oran, four brothers, two of whom are members of the official government recognized national council of the Reformed Protestant Church, were judged and condemned without even appearing in court as they did not receive the court summons in time.

“They were convicted of blaspheming the Prophet and sentenced to 3 years in prison and a fine of around $7,500. A school principle and two teachers were fired from their posts by the National Education authorities.”

** Pray for our brothers to stand strong to the honor of the Lord Jesus.

** Pray that this persecution will purify the church and cause it to grow even faster.

** Pray for the Spirit to speak directly through all who are called before the police and political authorities.

** Pray that there will be an international outcry such that the Algerian authorities have to retract.