The Arab Parliament has condemned the statement made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the state of religious freedom in the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. The Arab Parliament’s statement, released last night, asserted that the information in Blinken’s statement was inaccurate and misleading, having no connection to reality.
In its statement, the Arab Parliament emphasized that matters related to religious freedoms are intrinsically linked to the societal and cultural specifics of each community and external intervention in such matters is unjustifiable under any circumstances. The Parliament recognized Algeria as a nation known for its moderation and centrality. It also highlighted that the Algerian constitution and laws clearly and unequivocally acknowledge and guarantee religious freedoms.
Furthermore, the Arab Parliament praised Algeria’s significant efforts in this area under the wise leadership of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement on religious freedom in Algeria, as part of the 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom, has elicited a strong response from the Algerian government. Blinken’s report highlighted various global trends and incidents related to religious freedom, assessing the actions of various countries, including Algeria. This report aimed to promote accountability and drive progress toward religious freedom worldwide.
In response, the Algerian Foreign Ministry, represented by Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, expressed deep regret over what it considered “false and inaccurate information” about Algeria’s state of religious freedom. During a telephone conversation with Blinken, Attaf emphasized Algeria’s efforts to consolidate the principle of freedom of religious belief and practice, a principle guaranteed by the Algerian Constitution. Attaf also mentioned Algeria’s readiness to engage in dialogue with the United States on this issue and expressed willingness to host the American Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom to shed light on the facts and Algeria’s commitment to upholding the principle of freedom of belief
