Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002631/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Markus Buchheit (ESN)
In recent years, the situation of religious freedom in Algeria has deteriorated significantly, particularly for the evangelical and Protestant Christian communities. In January 2024, it was confirmed that the authorities had officially closed all evangelical churches in the country. This systematic repression is being carried out not only by state institutions but also under pressure from radical Islamist groups.
A particularly alarming case is that of Pastor Youssef Ourahmane, Vice President of the Protestant Church of Algeria, who was sentenced to one year in prison for organising an ‘unauthorised’ worship service, an action that clearly violates basic principles of religious freedom and freedom of assembly.
- 1.Is the Commission aware of the recent developments concerning the persecution of Christians in Algeria, including the closure of evangelical churches and the sentencing of Pastor Youssef Ourahmane?
- 2.What concrete actions is the Commission taking, both diplomatically and through its external policy instruments, to address these serious violations of religious freedom in Algeria?
- 3.Will the Commission consider raising this issue in its bilateral relations with Algeria, including in the context of the EU-Algeria Association Agreement?
Submitted: 30.6.2025