Eritrea: Authorities Jail 34 More Christians in House Church Raid
Eritrean security police cracked down on more Christians again last week, arresting 34 evangelicals gathered for prayer and fellowship in a local home in Keren.
Christian Persecution – Africa
Eritrea Pastors Face Execution For “Treason”; Prayer Group Detained
At least four prominent Protestant pastors in Eritrea faced another day of uncertainty Saturday, May 31, after government officials said the church leaders may receive the death penalty for "treason", while dozens of other believers were detained in recent days, a well-informed advocacy group reported.
Algeria: Prosecutor Demands 2-Year Sentence for Converts from Islam
A state prosecutor in western Algeria demanded two-year jail sentences and large fines for six Muslim converts to Christianity yesterday in one of two trials against Christians that have caught the north African nation’s attention in the past week.
Algeria: Why Authorities Have Begun Clamping Down on Christians
The debate was urgent and often heated at the annual meeting of the Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA) earlier this month. The looming question: whether to obey or disobey government orders that have closed over half of the North African country’s 50 Protestant churches in the past six months.
Eritrea: Jailed Pastor Could Face Treason Charges
Unconfirmed reports emerged this month in the Eritrean capital of Asmara, indicating that the repressive regime plans to press formal charges of treason against several Protestant pastors jailed for the past four years.
Algeria Christians Appeal For Int. Support Amid Government Crackdown
Algerian Christians have appealed for international "prayers and support" amid a government crackdown on churches and suspected evangelists, a rights group said Monday, May 19.
Pakistan: Doctor Jailed on ‘Blasphemy’ Charges
Pakistani police have jailed a Christian doctor after "blasphemy" charges incited a mob attack on his home last week in Punjab province.
Zimbabwe Christians Facing Famine And Persecution, Aid Workers Say
Christians in several areas of Zimbabwe faced more food shortages Wednesday, May 14, amid ongoing turmoil and reported persecution of churches in the country, once called ‘the breadbasket of Africa.’
Algeria: Christian Sentenced for Carrying Bible
An Algerian Christian detained five days for carrying a Bible and personal Bible study books was handed a 300-euro (US$460) fine and a one-year suspended prison sentence last week, an Algerian church leader said.
Algeria: Christian Sentenced for ‘Proselytism’
An Algerian Christian was handed a two-year suspended sentence for “proselytism” yesterday amid an ongoing government crackdown on 26 of Algeria’s 50 Protestant congregations, a church leader said.
Algeria Continues Widespread Church Closures
Groups of devoted Christians in Algeria were without places to worship Saturday, March 29, after authorities closed down more than a dozen Protestant churches amid anger over alleged attempts by evangelical believers to convert Muslims.
Ethiopia: Muslims Kill Worshipper in Church Attacks
Eight Muslims wielding razor-sharp machetes and knives broke into two village churches in southern Ethiopia earlier this month and began wounding worshipers, instantly killing one Christian.
Ethiopia: Attack on Church Leaves 4 Dead, 70 Injured
Last week, Christians gathering at local churches in a southern region in Ethiopia were enjoying singing and worship when, without warning, hundreds of men armed with machetes and clubs leapt through the open windows and indiscriminately began attacking everyone present. The attackers barricaded the doors to try to prevent people from escaping.
Nigeria Church Looted And Demolished In Kano State
Christians in several areas of Nigeria’s Kano State remained anxious Tuesday, March 4, after a government-backed mob armed with machetes reportedly set fire to a church building, before looting and dismantling the property, while a bishop narrowly escaped death, rights watchers said.
Algeria Expels American Protestant Pastor
An elderly American pastor and former chairman of the Protestant Church of Algeria was preparing Thursday, February 28, to launch an appeal against plans by authorities to deport him from the country.
Eritrea Releases Christian Prisoners; Torture Continues Elsewhere
An influential independent Christian rights group confirmed late Wednesday, February 27, that Eritrea has released dozens of evangelical Christians, but warned that some 2,000 other believers remain imprisoned in the African nation "due to their faith in Christ."
Eritrea Releases Dozens Of Evangelicals
Dozens of evangelical Christians spend another day in freedom in Eritrea after they were unexpectedly released from prison by security authorities, Christians said.
Nigeria Churches Destroyed, One Killed, After Muslim Marriage Row
A Muslim man’s failed attempt to marry a young Christian woman resulted in him accusing her of "blasphemy", triggering violence in the Nigerian town of Yana that left at least one person dead, seven Christians hospitalized and five churches destroyed, a Christian news agency reported Tuesday, February 11.
Chad: Convert Loses Family Members for His Faith
A little over a year after becoming a Christian in Ngudungudu, Chad in December 1995, Jeje Nehamiah Baki left the town to meet up with his nomadic family in the wilderness.
Egypt: Court Rules Against Convert
In a blow to religious freedom in Egypt, a Cairo court has ruled against a Muslim convert to Christianity who requested that his religious affiliation be changed.