Church Leader Loses Appeal

Pastor Youssef Ourahmane is a senior pastor who oversees a number of churches and Bible schools in Algeria, in addition to serving as the vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA) – an association composed of more than 45 Protestant churches.

After holding a small gathering with a few Christian families in March, Pastor Youssef was charged by governing officials for organizing an unauthorized religious assembly. Without notice, he was tried and convicted in absentia, receiving a sentence of two years in prison, along with a fine of 100,000 dinars (approximately $1,000 CAD). For more details, see this previously posted report.

Subsequently, the pastor's conviction was appealed, and the hearing for this took place on November 19th. Although the verdict, which was announced on November 27th, ruled to uphold the church leader's conviction, the judge presiding over his case reduced the prison sentence to one year. Pastor Youssef now intends to appeal this latest verdict to a higher court.

The EPA has faced an escalating campaign of harassment to the point where only a few of the churches remain open. There are at least ten ongoing court cases against Christians presently in process at the time of publishing this report. For further information on the persecution of believers in this North African nation, go to our country report.

Pray that justice will be upheld in Pastor Youssef's case, and that he will be able to resume his ministry work without any further interference from Algeria's governing officials. Also prayerfully uphold our other persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in this North African nation – including those who are likewise facing the threat of prosecution – asking God to provide them encouragement, strength and guidance. Even during this time of uncertainty, may these faithful followers of Jesus seize every divinely orchestrated opportunity presented to them by demonstrating the love of Christ and sharing His wonderful plan of eternal salvation.