Christians have increasingly become the targets for an authoritarian crackdown by the government of Algeria. A Presidential election is on the horizon and Islamic groups within the country, primarily opposed to the current regime, are gaining ground. In what is seen as a measure to gain popular support, the government is now beginning vigorously to enforce anti-Christian laws that were passed in 2006.
Situated in Northern Africa and now the frequent target of Islamic extremists, Algeria is Africa’s largest country by land area and is home to just over 40 million people, 99% of whom are Muslim. By employing a tactic seen in Iran, Algeria requires that all churches register with the government, pay licensing fees and submit to stringent monitoring and inspections. So-called “house-churches” are considered illegal, as are all churches that do not meet the government’s requirement for control. READ MORE
