Algeria--Christian Persecution in Algeria

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Africa: Algeria

Country Report Last Updated: April 2002

Code: B-2, 3

(Click here for a code description.)

(Click here for a list of ICC articles on Algeria)
List of Articles Last Updated: November 26, 1999

COUNTRY STATISTICS

Area: 2,381,740 sq km
Capital: Algiers
Main Cities: Oran, Constantine, Annaba, Blida
Population: 31,736,053
Population Growth: 1.71%
Birth Rate: 22.76 births/ 1000 people
Death Rate: 5.22 deaths/ 1000 people
Infant Mortality: 40.56 deaths/ 1000 live births
Life Expectancy: 69.95 years

Religions: Muslim
Languages: Arabic, French, Berber dialects
Ethnic Groups: Arab-Berber
Currency: Algerian dinar (DZD)
Exchange Rate: 74,813 DZD = 1 USD
Total GDP: $171 billion
Per Capita PPP: $5,500
Imports: $9.2 billion
Exports: $19.6 billion

(Source: CIA World Fact Book 2001)

Religious Atmosphere: Approximately 99% of the population is Sunni Muslim. The Muslims seem to be split into factions of extremist versus moderate depending on their interpretation of Islam. There are also small numbers of Christians and Jews.

Extremist Groups:

The Armed Islamic Group (GIA)--This group seeks to install an "Islamic Republic" similar to those found in Iran and Saudi Arabia. In 1994, this group declared it intention to eliminate Jews, Christians, and polytheists from Algeria.

Government:

The constitution establishes Islam to be the state religion and prohibits religious discrimination. The government does allow small Christian and Jewish groups to practice their faith.
The Family Code prohibits Muslim women from marrying non-Muslim men but places no restrictions on who Muslim men can marry.
Non-Islamic proselytizing is illegal. Conversions from Islam to another faith are not illegal, but the government does not recognize them.
Converts from Islam often experience other security worries and legal and social problems

Recent actions:

December 30, 1997 - Perpetrators not known - Four hundred people in isolated villages in the Relizane region were killed by Islamic extremists on the first night of Ramadan. Most of the victims had their throats slit or were decapitated. The BBC reported that 100+ were killed in other incidents over that weekend.
October 1996 - Armed Islamic Group - Bishop Pierre Clavier of Oran was killed.
May 20, 1996 - Armed Islamic Group - Seven French Trappist monks were beheaded after being held captive for two months.

Recent actions: No government sponsored acts of religious persecution have been witnessed.

Prisoners: No prisoners are being held for their religious beliefs at this time.

Suggested Actions You Might Take:

Pray for the Christians of Algeria that they may allowed to practice and share their faith freely and without the threat of violence from the Islamic community and in particular, militant Islamic groups. Pray also that the Christian message may be heard and received by all Algerians.
Contact the elected national officials (Senators, Congressman etc.) for your area as well as the U.S. State Department and express concern for the well being of the Christians in Algeria asking them to make an inquiry into their status.
Write a respectful letter to one or more government officials at the address listed below. * Express your continuing concern for the safety and well being of the Christian community in Algeria as well as for their right to practice their faith freely.
Please keep us informed of any replies or results you may receive! Contact ICC by email at icc@persecution.org.

Official Contacts:

Embassy Of Algeria-Chancery
2118 Kalorama Rd. NW
Washington D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 265-2800
Fax: (202) 667-2174

Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Ministere des Affairs Etrangeres
6, rue Ibn Badran
El-Mouradia
16050 Algeria
Tel: 011 213 260 8050 / 8499
Fax: 011 213 260 5161 / 5210

President:
Abdel-Aziz Bouteflika
Presidence de la Republique
Place Mohamed Seddik Benyahya
El Mouradia
16000 Algiers, Algeria
Tel: 213-2-60-03-66
Fax: 213-2-69-15-95

Prime Minister:
Ahmed Benbitour, Premier Ministère
Palais du Gouvernement
Rue du Docteur Saadane
16000 Algiers, Algeria
Tel: 213-2-73-23-40
Fax: 213-2-71-79-27

*Although we try to make every effort to keep up with and reflect changes in the government of Algeria and the current human rights situation, it is not uncommon for changes to occur and not be immediately updated in the profiles. We appreciate your feedback if you find any discrepancies in this information. You can contact ICC at the email address above for this purpose.

POSTED: April 4, 2002

ICC Articles on Algeria:


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Algeria--Christian Persecution in Algeria

Serving the Persecuted Church: Support & Training of Underground Pastors § Humanitarian Aid § Advocacy for the Persecuted on Capitol Hill

Africa: Algeria

POSTED: April 4, 2002

ICC Articles on Algeria:

Serving the Persecuted Church:
Support & Training of Underground Pastors §
Humanitarian Aid § Advocacy for the Persecuted on Capitol Hill