# Algerian crackdown on Christian worship > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/algerian-crackdown-on-christian-worship > Updated: 2026-09-17T07:30:36.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. On September 4, Algerian special forces raided a worship service at the House of Refuge, a humanitarian shelter in L’Ayaida near Oran. Twelve Christians were arrested during the operation on suspicion of holding an unauthorized non-Muslim religious gathering. Authorities executed a search warrant, confiscating mobile phones, identity cards, and Christian literature. While women were released with instructions to return for questioning, men were detained overnight. The group faces potential charges under Ordinance 06-03, a 2006 law that criminalizes collective worship conducted outside of state-approved frameworks. Under this ordinance, all houses of worship must be registered with the state, and any renovations require government approval. The law prohibits actions deemed to ‘shake the faith of a Muslim’ and can result in prison sentences of two to five years and significant fines. Although the law designated a National Commission for the Exercise of Religious Worship to manage approvals, the U.S. State Department has noted that the body had not been created at the time of the law's adoption, granting the government broad control over religious locations and participation. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: Algeria raids Christian worship service, arresting 12 people Algerian police arrested 12 Christians during a residential worship service raid, facing charges under Ordinance 06-03, which strictly regulates non-Muslim religious activities. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/algeria-raids-christian-worship-service-arresting-12-people ### 2026-09-15: Algeria: 12 Christians arrested during worship service raid Twelve Christians were arrested by Algerian police during a raid on a worship service at a humanitarian shelter near Oran, facing potential charges under restrictive religious laws. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/algeria-12-christians-arrested-during-worship-service-raid --- Cite as: Algerian crackdown on Christian worship. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/algerian-crackdown-on-christian-worship