11/27/2018 Algeria (International Christian Concern) – Yet another church has closed in Algeria as part of a systematic strategy by the authorities to increase restrictions on Christians. The church was closed on November 14th and is located in Aït Djemaa. Approximately 200 members attend the church, which was opened in 2015. The authorities claim that the church does not hold necessary permission from the National Committee for Non-Muslim Worship.
According to the U.S. State Department, claims by this committee that they have established a way for non-Muslim religious groups to register cannot be verified. The repression of Algerian churches has intensified over the past year, with several closed for vague reasons despite their membership with the officially recognized Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA).
A decree in 2006 stipulates that permission must be obtained before a building is used for non-Muslim worship. However, the authorities have failed to respond to almost all applications. For this reason, it is standard for churches to inform local authorities that they are renting a building and using it as a place of worship.
For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
