Sixteen Arrested for Possessing Christian Literature (Algeria)
Sixteen young people were arrested recently in Algeria for possessing Bibles and other Christian literature, according to a report by ZENIT (August 3, 2001). Ranging in age from 20 to 31 and members of a Christian denomination from central Algeria, the 16 were arrested on July 26 in Cap Falcon, 450 kilometers (280 miles) west of Algiers.
According to authorities, they had approached vacationers, one of whom reported them. Evangelistic activities by Christians are considered a crime in predominantly Muslim Algeria and Muslims who convert to another religion risk a death sentence. In April, the Algerian newspaper Al-Yaum denounced the “frightful” expansion of missionary activity in Algeria, which it linked to public disdain for the terrorism exhibited by Muslim fundamentalists.
Please uphold these 16 courageous believers in your prayers. Pray that they would remain faithful to God and steadfast in their witness for Him.
Voice of the Martyrs. Used with Permission.