ALGIERS, Algeria — Algeria, where the official religion is Islam, is criminalizing attempts to convert Muslims to other faiths.

A law adopted March 20 would punish anyone who "incites, forces or uses seductive means to convert a Muslim to another religion" with a prison term of two to five years or fines of up to $12,100.

The law is a response to growing efforts by evangelical Christians to bring their faith to this North African nation. Christian missionaries have been known to be active in Algeria's Berber region east of the capital.

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An official of the Ministry of Religious Affairs alleged that evangelists have enticed Muslims with offers of visas or financial help.

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