Algerian Pastor Youssef Ourahmane, who was arrested and sentenced for leading worship services in his homeland, recently shared his story, shedding light on the ongoing repression of religious minorities in Algeria.
At an event organized by the legal group ADF International, Youssef, a Christian convert and leader within the Protestant Church of Algeria, advocated for religious freedom and called for the reopening of Evangelical churches that have been forcibly shut down by Algerian authorities.
He spoke about his arrest and conviction for the so-called crime of “illegal worship.”
“We have faced significant opposition,” he shared with the audience. “By 2019, most of the Evangelical churches in our country had been closed. When the churches were shut down, many Christians felt a sense of loss in their faith because the church buildings had become part of their identity.”
Born into a Muslim family, Youssef converted to Christianity while still a student and has been leading congregations for more than 30 years. Despite the legal challenges and personal risks he faces, he remains unwavering in his faith.
When asked why he continues to risk imprisonment, Youssef said, “God knows the number of hairs on my head, and none fall without His will. We must accept God’s will and sovereignty. I strive, by His grace, to be a good witness to others.”
On July 2, 2023, Youssef was sentenced to two years in prison and fined 100,000 Algerian dinars (around $750) for leading the Emmanuel Church in Algeria. Although his sentence was reduced to one year in November 2023, the Court of Appeal in Tizi Ouzou upheld his conviction in May and added six months of suspended prison time.
“Despite their small numbers, Algeria has systematically worked to prevent the Evangelical community from worshiping together,” said Kelsey Zorzi, ADF International’s director of advocacy for global religious freedom. “Pastor Youssef’s case is one of about 50 unfounded cases against Christians in recent years. His advocacy for the Evangelical church in Algeria, even in the face of imprisonment, is an inspiration.”
ADF International is working alongside other non-governmental organizations to support Youssef and plans to bring his case to the attention of officials from over 40 countries. “The U.S. and the international community must take a firm stance against the unlawful closure of churches and unjust arrests of pastors,” Zorzi added.
Algeria, where 99% of the nearly 43 million residents identify as Sunni Muslim, has increased restrictions on religious minorities. The government enforces laws limiting religious freedom and expression, including blasphemy and anti-proselytism statutes that target Christians and other groups, according to ADF International.
Since 2019, authorities have closed 43 churches associated with the Église Protestante d’Algérie (EPA), leaving only one open. Security forces, acting under the Ministry of Interior’s orders, have used alleged “health and safety” violations to justify locking church doors and declaring worship gatherings illegal.
“In one instance, they physically beat a pastor in front of his young child because he was peacefully protesting his church’s closure,” ADF International reported.
Youssef has also faced baseless criminal prosecutions since 2008 for his peaceful Christian activities. He is among 50 Christians convicted of vague offenses such as “shaking the faith” of Muslims, conducting illegal worship, or embezzling tithes.
“In the 1970s, the government granted licenses to churches largely attended by expats,” Youssef explained during the event. “Today, the government is worried because our churches are mostly filled with large numbers of Algerian converts.”
The crackdown has also impacted smaller house congregations. According to 21 Wilberforce, “The government mandates that only 10 people are allowed per gathering, forcing many house churches to operate underground. Church leaders who continue to hold services in Algeria are threatened, and several have been arrested and prosecuted.”
Open Doors International reported that by the end of 2023, only four out of 47 churches affiliated with the Evangelical Protestant Church of Algeria remained open.
“Christianity’s long history in Algeria is under threat,” noted 21 Wilberforce. “As the government continues closing churches and slowing the registration process for religious groups, life is becoming increasingly difficult for Algerian Christians.”
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has recommended that Algeria be placed on the U.S. Department of State’s “Special Watch List” for severe religious freedom violations. In its 2024 Annual Report, the USCIRF highlighted the growing repression of religious minorities in Algeria.
According to ADF International, the violations of religious minority rights in Algeria contravene both international and domestic law.