Verotik
06-18-2008, 11:40 AM
Christian converts' trial in Algeria postponed: church head
ALGIERS (AFP) - The trial of two Algerian Christian converts accused of proselytising has been postponed for a week, the head of the country's Protestant church told AFP Wednesday.
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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, 350 kilometers (220 miles) southwest of Algiers, postponed the trial to June 25th.
The two converts were each sentenced in their absence in November to two years in jail and a 5,000-euro (7,700-dollar) fine for illegally practising a non-Muslim religion.
They asked to be tried again in their presence, as permitted by Algerian law.
ALGIERS (AFP) - The trial of two Algerian Christian converts accused of proselytising has been postponed for a week, the head of the country's Protestant church told AFP Wednesday.
ADVERTISEMENT
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, 350 kilometers (220 miles) southwest of Algiers, postponed the trial to June 25th.
The two converts were each sentenced in their absence in November to two years in jail and a 5,000-euro (7,700-dollar) fine for illegally practising a non-Muslim religion.
They asked to be tried again in their presence, as permitted by Algerian law.