On April 29, a court in Djilfa, south of Algiers, charged a 33-year-old Muslim convert to Christianity with "printing, storing and distributing" illegal religious material.
According to Compass Direct News, "An Algerian Christian detained five days for carrying a Bible and personal Bible study books was handed a 300-Euro (US $460) fine and a one-year suspended prison sentence." Compass reported this conviction was the latest in numerous detentions and court cases against Algerian Christians.
"Since January, police and provincial officials have ordered the closure of up to half of the country's estimated 50 Protestant congregations," Compass Direct said. The 33-year-old Algerian Christian converted from Islam to Christianity eight years ago. On April 25, he was stopped at a police road block while riding in a shared taxi.
Compass Direct added, "Officials took the convert into custody upon finding a Bible and several religious study books in his luggage. Police appear to have previous knowledge of the Christian's connections. Officers refused to let the convert call friends to let them know of his detention, naming a church member in Tiaret whom they claimed he would contact."
Pray believers in Algeria will remain faithful despite persecution.
Ask God to protect and give courage to this Algerian Christian who is standing for Christ.
Psalm 37:28
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