Algeria police arrest 12 Christians during raid on Oran shelter

Algerian special forces conducted a police raid on September 4 at the House of Refuge in L’Ayaida, near Oran, resulting in the arrest of 12 Christians. The facility, which serves as a humanitarian shelter for vulnerable women, had previously seen its worship hall administratively closed by authorities in 2019.

During the operation, police seized religious literature, mobile phones, and identity documents. While some detainees were released the following morning for questioning, others were held in custody overnight.

The individuals face potential prosecution under Ordinance 06-03, a 2006 law that strictly regulates non-Muslim religious practices. The legislation requires state authorization for non-Islamic worship sites and criminalizes gatherings held outside officially approved frameworks. Violations can result in prison sentences of up to five years and significant fines.