The World Evangelical Alliance called on the government of Algeria to allow the re-opening of all Protestant churches and to overturn convictions of individual Christians, including that of Pastor Youssef Ourahmane, who was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison and a fine on charges of holding an unauthorized religious assembly and holding worship in a building not permitted for worship.
In Algeria, since December 2020, there have been at least 52 prosecutions against Christians for peacefully practicing their faith. Since 2018, at least 43 churches have closed due to the authorities’ systematic campaign to close Protestant churches.
The oral statement was made at the Human Rights Council 55th session, during the General debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, on 21 March 2024.