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Algerian Actions Against Christian Conversionary Activity Continues

By Howard M. Friedman

Yesterday's Christian Post reports that in Algeria, four Christians charged with attempting to convert Muslims have received suspended prison sentences and fines. Tuesday's court decision stems from charges under a 2006 law that prohibits attempting to convert Muslims and also requires non-Muslim activities to take place only within churches. The four plan to appeal. A number of actions against Christians and Christian churches have been undertaken in the last six months. Compass Direct News reported yesterday that in the Algerian city of Tiaret, five plainclothes officers stopped a Muslim woman who had converted to Christianity and publicly questioned her for two hours. The woman, Habiba Kouider, is already on trial for "practicing non-Muslim religious rites without a license" after authorities found she was carrying several copies of the Bible and books on Christianity, apparently for distribution. Defending government actions, Dr. Abu Amrane Chikh, head of the government-appointed Islamic Higher Council, said that efforts by Christian evangelists are "a new form of colonization that is hidden behind freedom of worship."

Full post as published by Religion Clause on June 04, 2008 (boomark / email).