09/26/2019 Algeria (International Christian Concern) –  An Algerian church located in Boghni and serving two congregations was sealed by the authorities on September 24^th. The closure order was issued by the Governor of Tizi Ouzou just six days prior, although the church is affiliated with the legally recognized umbrella organization for Algerian Protestant Churches.

Churches affiliated with this umbrella organization, the l’Église Protestante d’Algérie (EPA), have come under heavy pressure from the authorities since 2017. Including the recent closure, the number of EPA affiliated churches which the authorities have closed comes to eight. All 45 of these congregations have received visits from the authorities. Another four church groups were ordered to stop their activities, according to Middle East Concern.

Algeria had created a commission to license churches in 2006, but the commission has never met and only exists on paper. For this reason, many churches are forced to affiliate with the EPA, which had legal status before 2006. There is great concern that Algeria’s campaign against churches is an attempt to undermine this legal protection.

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