TIARET, Algeria — A case that began with police in Algeria stopping a Christian suspected of carrying Bibles in his car ended May 16 with a large fine for the church leader.
A judge denied Pastor Nouredine Belabed’s appeal of a ruling demanding he pay a $868 fine and court fees under a controversial law that forbids “undermining the faith of a Muslim.” Belabed received the sentence March 8, including a three-month suspended prison term reduced from what had been a two-year prison term.
The 37-year-old father of three was stopped by police March 14, 2015, and detained for possessing Bibles, a Bible commentary, a book on church history and some pamphlets. Christian leaders say the charge is unconstitutional, citing the Algerian constitution’s Article 42, which guarantees freedom of belief, opinion and worship. (MS)
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