Photo: Middle East Concern
Pastor Youssef Ourahmane is a senior pastor and vice president of the Église Protestante d'Algérie (EPA). In March 2023, he was charged with organizing an unauthorized religious assembly and sentenced to two years in prison, along with a fine of 100,000 dinars (approximately $1,000 CAD). Following an appeal of the verdict, the pastor's conviction was upheld, but his sentence was reduced to one year in prison.
Another appeal hearing took place on April 23rd. The verdict of this most recent hearing, which was released on May 2nd, upheld the one-year prison sentence and fine. However, the sentence has since been suspended pending a further appeal to the Supreme Court.
In an episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, host Greg Musselman interviewed three Algerian church leaders about the challenges they are encountering. You are encouraged to view this inspiring video. For more reports on the persecution facing Christians in Algeria, go to this report.
Continue to prayerfully uphold Pastor Youssef during this difficult time, asking that his case be heard soon by the Supreme Court. May God's truth and justice ultimately prevail. Please also pray for the many other church congregations throughout Algeria that are being subjected to ongoing restrictions from the government. For believers who are able to gather together, even if done so in an informal manner, may they be a tremendous source of blessing and encouragement to one another.
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