Algeria mosques closed after ritual prayers

Algerian government decided to close many mosques in the capital Algiers and in other provinces directly after the ritual daily prayers for security reasons after religious affairs ministry had issued an instruction to this effect.

• “The mosques are closed for security measures as part of the presidential elections’ plan,” a security officer told Echorouk.
• “They are meant to foil any attempt to use mosques in affecting the smooth running of the electoral process.”
• “There may be attempts to carry out terrorist attacks as security forces are busy with the campaign,” said the same source.
• The officer believes that a number of dubious worshippers may hold “suspicious meetings” under the cover of religious meetings for “suspicious purposes.”
• An official at the Algerian religious affairs ministry described these measures as “ordinary” and meant to ensure the safety of mosques and protect them from thefts and attacks.
• On the other hand, observers say the security measures are aimed at foiling any attack in certain areas of the country still witnessing terror activities.