Algeria denies US claims of violations of religious freedom
The Algerian Minister of Religious Affairs has denied claims by the US that the country engages in “severe violations of religious freedom”, according to ArabNews.
On December 3rd, minister Youcef Belmehdi said that: “Freedom of worship is guaranteed within the framework of respect for the law.”
“The exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms in our country is guaranteed by the constitution.”
It followed the Washington placing Algiers on a watch list of countries accused of restricting religious freedom, claiming Algeria was “engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom.”
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The Algerian constitution does protect freedom of religion, but any places of worship or appointments of religious leaders must undergo government scrutiny and approval.
According to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, the country has closed down all but one of the evangelical churches and continues to “prosecute individuals on religion-based charges, including blasphemy, proselytization and unauthorised worship.”
According to the Spectator in December 2023, not one new church has been approved since 2006, despite efforts by Christian leaders to comply with all the requirements to garner authorization.
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At the time, a pastor in the Kabilye region of Algeria had been convicted of defying a closure order and continuing to worship.
He was tried and sentenced without his prior knowledge and now faces two years in prison and a fine of around $750.
The pastor, Youssef Ourahmane, told the Spectator: “Pray for the believers in Algeria. Many of them are afraid. Pray that in the midst of all the persecution, God would encourage them, help them to stand firm in their faith, and empower them to be witnesses to His grace.”
ArabNews and TheSpectator
