Saudis detain 41 for 'plotting' to celebrate Christmas

Religious police in a province in northwestern Saudi Arabia have raided a house and detained more than 41 guests for "plotting to celebrate Christmas," according to a police statement, Al-Akhbar reported Friday.

The newspaper, published in Beirut, said the raid in Al-Jouf is the latest in a string of crackdowns on residents perceived to threaten Saudi Arabia's strict religious code.

Al-Akhbar said the host of the alleged Christmas gathering is reported to be an "Asian diplomat." Guests included 41 Christians, as well as two Saudi Arabian and Egyptian Muslims.

The host and the two Muslims were said to be "severely intoxicated," the police statement said.

Saudi Arabia, which only recognizes Islamic faith and practice, has in the past banned public Christmas celebrations, but has been ambiguous about festivities held in private quarters, the newspaper said.

Saudi Arabia's head mufti Sheikh Abdel Aziz bin Abdullah has previously condemned "invitations to Christmas or wedding celebrations," Al-Akhbar noted.