General briefing: Algeria

In September 2006 Algeria adopted a law entitled ‘Conditions and Rules for the Exercise of Religious Worship other than Islam’ known as Ordinance 06-03 of 2006. In May 2007 two presidential decrees were issued, establishing the government committees required to enforce this law. The 2006 law effectively criminalises the internationally recognised freedoms of association and of religion or belief – specifically, the right to adopt a religion or belief of one’s choice and the freedom to manifest one’s religion. It also has negative implications for religious minorities who seek to propagate their faith peaceably.

During 2006 and 2007 CSW expressed concerns that the law could be misused to suppress the rights of the country’s Christian minority, which makes up less than 1% of the population. Unfortunately, these reservations have been proven correct. Since then several Christian leaders have been accused of proselytism and blasphemy under this law, and have been threatened with imprisonment and monetary fines. In addition, local authorities have closed at least 35 churches since 2006.

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