Algerian police have reportedly arrested 12 Christians after raiding a worship service at a humanitarian shelter near Oran, with authorities allegedly seizing Bibles, phones and identity documents during the operation.
The incident reportedly occurred on September 4 at the House of Refuge in L’Ayaida, about 36 kilometres east of Oran. According to sources cited by Morning Star News and subsequently reported by several Christian news organisations, special police forces entered the premises with a search warrant and detained everyone attending the service.
12 Christians detained during worship service
The House of Refuge is described as a shelter and restoration centre providing support for vulnerable women and their families. The facility previously contained a worship hall, but authorities ordered its administrative closure in October 2019.
Despite the closure, Christians reportedly continued meeting for worship in a separate apartment within the shelter complex.
Sources said the premises had been under surveillance before police carried out the September 4 operation. The 12 people attending the service were taken to the Bethioua police station, located roughly 40 kilometres from Oran.
The detainees were reportedly questioned over allegations that they were conducting an unauthorised non-Muslim religious gathering.
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Police reportedly seize Bibles and personal belongings
During the raid, police reportedly confiscated Christian literature, including Bibles, as well as mobile phones and identity documents belonging to those present.
The sources cited in the reports were not publicly identified, with the outlets saying they were withholding their identities for security reasons.
The women among those detained were reportedly released and instructed to return for questioning the following morning. The men, however, were reportedly held until late at night, with some allegedly remaining in custody until about 3 a.m.
At the time of the reports, there was no indication that the 12 Christians had been formally convicted of an offence. Reports also said they had not yet been brought before a prosecutor.
Christians could face charges under Algerian law
The arrests have raised concerns among local Christians that the detainees could potentially face charges under Algeria’s Ordinance 06-03, a 2006 law governing non-Muslim religious worship.
The legislation requires collective worship by non-Muslims to take place in officially authorised facilities. It also contains provisions concerning actions considered attempts to persuade Muslims to adopt another religion.
According to reports citing the legislation, certain violations can attract prison sentences ranging from two to five years, alongside fines of between 500,000 and 1 million Algerian dinars.
However, the reports available so far indicate that the 12 Christians had not been formally charged at the time of publication. Any potential prosecution would therefore be a future legal development rather than an established outcome of the September raid.
Previous cases involving Algerian Christians
The latest incident comes against the backdrop of previous legal and administrative disputes involving Christian churches and leaders in Algeria.
According to Open Doors figures cited by Morning Star News, nearly all 47 churches affiliated with the Protestant Church of Algeria have received administrative closure orders or been sealed by authorities. The organisation also says more than 50 Christians have faced prosecution over religious activities in recent years.
Among the cases previously highlighted was that of Pastor Rachid Seighir and Nouh Hamimi, who were convicted in 2021 in connection with their Christian bookstore, which authorities also ordered closed.
Hamid Soudad was also imprisoned in 2021 after being convicted of insulting Islam over material posted on Facebook. He was later pardoned in 2023.
Another prominent case involved Youcef Ourahmane, vice-president of the Protestant Church of Algeria. Ourahmane was sentenced on appeal in May 2024 to one year in prison in a case connected to the organisation of a Christian spiritual retreat. His original sentence had reportedly been two years and a fine. He is also identified as the founder of the Timothee School and the L’Ayaida refuge centre.
Religious freedom concerns continue
Christian advocacy organisations have raised broader concerns about the restrictions facing Christian communities in Algeria.
Open Doors placed Algeria at No. 20 on its 2026 World Watch List, which tracks countries where the organisation says Christians face severe pressure or persecution.
Meanwhile, reports have also circulated about alleged efforts to establish a new Christian association outside the existing Protestant Church of Algeria structure. Those claims have not been accompanied by a response from Algerian authorities in the reports reviewed.
For now, the September 4 arrests remain the central development. The 12 Christians were reportedly detained during a worship service, religious materials and personal belongings were seized, and the detainees faced the possibility of further questioning or legal action.
No conviction has been reported in connection with the incident, and the allegations concerning possible future charges remain subject to further developments.
Christian Post — Algerian police seize Bibles as 12 Christians arrested
