Christian Pastor Youssef Ourahmane, the Vice President of the Protestant Church of Algeria, was convicted in 2023 for conducting an "unauthorized worship" service in an unapproved building. His sentencing is evidence of an ongoing underhanded crackdown on Christianity in Algeria.
While Algerian law states that it protects "the free exercise of worship," in reality, Christians face immense persecution. The country is outlawing conversions to Christianity and denying the legal registration of churches. In fact, 43 out of 47 Protestant Christian churches in Algeria have been shut down over the past few years due to these laws.
Every religious gathering becomes illegal without access to a registered church. Not only are Algerian authorities closing and sealing church buildings, but they are also pursuing leaders if their communities continue to assemble as is evidenced by the case brought against Pastor Youssef.
We just held a major meeting at the U.N. with world leaders highlighting the plight of persecuted Algerian Christians and demanding international action to free Pastor Youssef.
Sign our petition demanding that Algeria free Pastor Youssef and uphold its obligations to international human rights laws by protecting religious freedom.