Algerian Christians Face More Questioning After 12 Arrested

Middle East Concern reports that a campaign of detaining and investigating Christians in western Algeria is intensifying. The ministry says 12 Christians, women and men, were detained on September 4, interrogated by police and will probably face charges. Algerian Christians are asking for prayer for them.

The trouble began when a special police force raided a humanitarian institution on September 4 with a search warrant, according to Middle East Concern. Officers confiscated Christian literature, phones, ID cards and other identifying documents, and none of it has been returned. Morning Star News reported that the raid came during a worship service at a humanitarian shelter, and that all 12 Christians present were arrested on suspicion of holding an unauthorized, non-Muslim religious service.

The questioning has not stopped. On October 4 police searched the same institution again, confiscated more items and held one Christian for interrogation until late at night before releasing him, the ministry's October 8 update says. On October 5 a couple from the group of 12 was called to the police station for intensified questioning. They stayed the whole day and were summoned again the next day to complete the investigation, and over the following two days several more Christians and couples were questioned the same way.

The 12 have been told they will face charges and appear before a court. Based on similar cases, Middle East Concern says the charges will most likely include holding non-Muslim worship without permission, holding worship in an unauthorized place, or shaking the faith of Muslims. If convicted, those charged could face two to five years in prison and heavy fines.

The ministry says this is part of a systematic campaign against Protestant Christians and churches in Algeria that began at the end of 2017. All but one of the 47 Protestant churches affiliated with the EPA (the Protestant Church of Algeria, which represents most Protestant churches in the country) have been sealed by the authorities or forced to close. More than 50 Christians, especially church leaders, have faced prosecution on religion-related charges.

Algerian Christians ask us to pray for the church members and their families, that they would know the comfort of the Father and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. They ask that the church leaders face no further legal proceedings and be acquitted if brought before the courts, that leaders persevere under growing pressure, and that the government campaign against Christians and other affected communities would cease so they can live in peace and freedom. Paul asked for the same kind of prayer in 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, and we can offer it today.

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2