Reopening Jewish temples is not unlawful, says minister

Algerian religious affairs minister Mohamed Aissa Monday said reopening Jewish temples does not violate the law and it is a message to Jews and other religions that Algeria is not against them.

“The decision of reopening Jewish temples in Algeria must not be seen negatively because they existed before the terror years and were closed for security reasons. A law promulgated in 2006 organizes worshiping ways of non-Muslims,” said Aissa.

“This is a message to Jews and all the sects that Algeria is not against them. Algeria is multicultural and accepts the other,” he added.

Speaking about Shia activities in Algeria, the minister said it is about a deviation in practicing religion because this doctrine is accredited by the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Yet, turning it into an intelligence political movement to harm the country is rejected.