We Are // Algeria.

Algeria is a country with so much potential. Our young people have fervour, vision and passion. The vast majority of Algerians are forward thinking, creative and kind. We should be prospering as a nation. We should be a bright light of North Africa. There is hope for a future in which we, in which our children, might have peace, freedom, security and prosperity. For us to get to that better future we have to stand against broken thinking.

We must now take our stand against hatred.

We know that repression and violence as a means of religious dominance or political control is futile and shameful. There is no honour in this way. It is bad religion. It is crooked politics.

We Are // looking to a brighter future in which we’ve grasped hold of old truths and principles which show the way to live harmoniously with those who hold differing beliefs.

We don’t need to agree with each other. We can disagree profoundly. We can argue and persuade. But we can respect each other and behaved as civilised people.

We know that we are // them and they are us. We all have a right to live peacefully in accordance with our beliefs. This is dignity. This brings stability. This brings peace.

This is the future we are // demanding.

We are // United. We Are // Algeria.

To Restore Our Honour

The Algerian Government must:

Remove decision-making on religious matters from the Ministry for the Interior and return it to the jurisdiction of the Ministry for Religion. It’s clearly in the wrong hands presently and the way religious minorities are being treated by the Ministry for the Interior in embarrassing for Algeria.

Issue permits to all places of worship that request them, unless there is justifiable reason not to do so. Refusals must be published along with the reasons for the refusal. If the National Commission for Non-Muslim Worship cannot fulfil its responsibilities as laid out in Article 9 of the 06-03 Ordinance governing non-Muslim worship, it must be abolished and the responsibility passed to another office of the Ministry for the Interior.

Abolish Article 11 of the 06-03 Ordinance governing non-Muslim worship. It is an insult to Islam and a weapon used against our compatriots.

Abolish Article 144 and each of its clauses from the penal code of Algeria. This is the law of the tyrant. There is no honour or dignity in Algeria with this law in our penal code. Being civilised means that we can hear ideas or dissent even if it is abhorrent and insulting, and yet we respond with grace and truth. That is how we have the victory. The Prophet of Islam is not so fragile as to need these laws.

Allow status as an association to any peaceful religious minority that applies in accordance with Law 12-06 of January 2012. The Algerian System is currently breaking its own laws by refusing to grant this status. It is dishonourable.

Release from prison without condition or delay all citizens who are held on account of their peaceful religious beliefs and practices. Cease any legal actions against citizens of Algeria who are being prosecuted on account of their peaceful religious beliefs and practices.

Accept that the majority of Algerians do not want this tyranny to continue. The authorities must change their attitudes and actions. Whether Sunni, Shi’a, Catholic, Protestant, Sufi or Ahmadi we are united. We will not stop.

We Are // United. We Are // Algeria.