Algerian Court Upholds Prison Sentence for Church Leader Convicted of “Illegal Worshiping”
A court in Algeria recently upheld a one-year prison sentence for Pastor Youssef Ourahamane, a top church leader, who was baselessly convicted of “illegal worshiping,” according to legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International.
Pastor Ourahamane, who leads Emmanuel Church in Algeria, has been a prominent figure in the Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA) association, which has faced the closure of 43 churches by authorities since 2019, leaving only one church open.
Kelsey Zorzi, director of advocacy for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International, condemned the court’s decision, stating that no one should be punished for exercising their right to religious freedom. She called the verdict a violation of both Algerian and international law.
Pastor Ourahamane, a convert from Islam, was initially sentenced to two years in prison and a fine of 100,000 Algerian dinars (US$738) for leading his church, despite prosecutors providing no evidence of a crime. His sentence was later reduced to one year.
After appealing the conviction a second time, the Appellate Court in Tizi Ouzo upheld the verdict and added a six-month suspended prison sentence to his one-year term, along with the fine.
Zorzi expressed hope that the Supreme Court of Algeria would hear the case and acquit Pastor Ourahamane so he can continue his duties as a pastor. The international community has been urged to advocate for the rights of all Algerians to freely practice their faith without fear of persecution.
Authorities in Algeria have targeted churches for more than five years, citing “health and safety” reasons to justify closing church doors and declaring worship illegal. Pastor Ourahamane and others believe the convictions are a response to the growing number of Muslims converting to Christianity in the country.
Despite facing persecution, Pastor Ourahamane remains committed to leading congregations in Algeria, where the majority of the population identifies as Sunni Muslim. The government limits religious freedom through laws that target Christians and other religious minorities, including blasphemy and anti-proselytism statutes.
Algeria is a signatory to human rights treaties, but the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended the country be included on the State Department’s “Special Watch List” for violations of religious freedom.