Algeria Closes Protestant Churches That Lack Permits

The Christian Post reported yesterday that Algeria has apparently begun for the first time to enforce a 2006 law that requires non-Muslim congregations to obtain a permit from their regional prefecture before holding religious services. Thirteen Protestant churches have been closed down since November by government order, though no official reason has been given for the action. Pastor Mustapha Krim, president of the Protestant Church of Algeria, has made a formal request to government officials for an explanation of the closings.