The trial of two Algerian Christian converts accused of proselytising has been postponed for a week, the head of the country’s Protestant Church said on Wednesday.
The prosecution is the third to be brought against Christian converts in the mostly Muslim country since a controversial law was passed in February 2006 demanding non-Muslim congregations seek permits from regional authorities.
Wednesday’s delay was ordered because the defendants’ main lawyer was unable to attend the hearing for personal reasons, said church leader Mustapha Krim.
The court, in Tissemsilt, 350km south-west of Algiers, postponed the trial to June 25.
The two converts were each sentenced in their absence in November to two years in jail and a €5 000 fine for illegally practising a non-Muslim religion.
They asked to be tried again in their presence, as permitted by Algerian law.
On June 3, four Christians were given suspended sentences for ”illegally practising a non-Muslim cult”.
One of the four received a six-month suspended sentence with a €2 000 fine, the other three two months suspended and a €1 000 fine each.
In a separate case, another Christian convert, Habiba Kouider (37), is to appear before a court a second time, after he was discovered carrying a dozen Bibles.
His first court appearance, again on a charge of practising a non-Muslim religion without permission, saw the court in Tiaret demand a further investigation. The prosecution has demanded a three-year sentence.
The Protestant Church in Algeria has called for the 2006 law to be overturned, an appeal rejected by Communication Minister Abderrachid Boukerzaza.
The heads of the various Christian denominations in Algeria believe the law contravenes the freedom of religion guaranteed in the country’s Constitution. — Sapa-AFP