In recent weeks MEC has requested prayer for four Christians, including three from the same family, who were to appear in court on 6 November in Province of Bouira, in the Kabylie region. The hearing was postponed to 27 November. At that hearing, the court listened to both parties and a verdict is expected on 25 December 2018.
These Christians are accused of “inciting a Muslim to change his religion,” an offence under Ordinance 3-6 of 2006, punishable with a prison term of two to five years and a fine of 500,000 to 1 million Algerian Dinars ( approx. US$4,350 to US$8,700).
The charges follow accusations made in July 2018 by a woman (aged 40) whose husband (50), the main defendant, had converted to Christianity. She and members of her family accused her Christian husband, together with a Christian family that had attempted to mitigate the conflict between the couple, of wanting to convert her to Christianity.
Prayer Points
Algerian Christians request prayer that:
a. these Christians will be acquitted of all charges
b. they and all Christians in Algeria will know the Lord’s peace, wisdom and guidance in the face of ongoing pressures
c. those responsible for the intimidation of Christians would know the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness and new life offered by Jesus
d. there would be just laws and greater societal tolerance towards Christians in Algeria
