October 19th, 2021 | USCIRF

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:

Algeria Country Update – This country update examines religious freedom conditions in Algeria, which have deteriorated to a degree that has led USCIRF to recommend that the U.S State Department include Algeria on its Special Watch List since 2020. Although Algeria’s constitution protects freedom of thought and worship for all citizens, the Algerian government frequently regulates religious practice and restricts religious expression. In recent years, Algerian authorities have prosecuted individuals for blasphemy, proselytizing, and other offenses related to their religious identity or the practice of their beliefs. The government has also restricted religious minorities from establishing houses of worship and forcibly closed dozens of Protestant churches.

In its 2021 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. State Department including Algeria in its Special Watch List for engaging in severe violations of international religious freedom. In August, USCIRF hosted a conversation on Deteriorating Religious Freedom Conditions in Algeria.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on threats to religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].