(FW) – An Algerian father-of-two has been handed down a suspended sentence for hosting a worship gathering in his own home. The 35-year-old was also issued a hefty fine for simply seeking to express his religious faith in the Muslim-majority nation. After inviting a couple to pray with him, the man was reported under the country’s notorious Religion law of June 2006 (“Law 03/06”), which prohibits non-Muslim worship among unregistered churches.
According to Morning Star News, churches which seek to obtain a license must approach the national committee for official permission. Almost inconceivably, this committee has never actually met and has yet to carry out the work of administering licenses to church facilities. “Incredible but true, it was enough that a neighbor denounced him and accused him wrongly, and he is condemned, all because he welcomed a Christian couple to pray together,” said a local source. “He is frightened and shocked by this accusation.” READ MORE
