The former mayor of Algiers, Abdelhakim Batache, is facing a seven-year prison sentence over a stalled housing project that has left 2,000 people, including 1,400 beneficiaries and 600 others, affected. The project, which was supposed to provide 1,400 housing units, has been delayed for over 12 years, leading to allegations of fraud and misuse of power. The case has been ongoing for years, with the victims demanding compensation for the emotional, psychological, and financial losses they have suffered.
The housing project, which was initiated in 2016, was supposed to be built in the municipality of S'Houlat, Algiers. The beneficiaries paid installments ranging from 80 million to 100 million Algerian dinars, with some paying much more. However, the project has stalled due to issues with the land and bureaucratic problems. The victims have filed complaints and organized protests to demand answers about the project's status and the fate of their money.
According to sources close to the case, the real estate developer, Klak Nourredine, did not own the land on which the project was supposed to be built when the beneficiaries were asked to pay the first installment in 2016. This has raised questions about the role of the former mayor, who sent the lists of beneficiaries to the developer despite the land issues. The victims claim that the mayor's actions contributed to the project's failure.
The case has been ongoing since July 2024, when a group of beneficiaries filed a complaint against Klak Nourredine and Batache, alleging fraud and forming a criminal association. The case was assigned to an investigating judge at the Sidi Mhamed court in Algiers, who later referred it to the public prosecutor. The prosecutor sought permission from the Algiers authorities to pursue the case, given that it involved a local official and allegations of misconduct.
In November 2024, the case was sent to the Algiers authorities for review and permission to proceed. After nearly a year, the Interior Ministry granted permission for the prosecution to pursue the case. The court has set a hearing for October 15 to review the case. The victims are demanding that they be provided with housing units and compensation for their losses.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with many Algerians expressing frustration over the delays and corruption in the housing sector. The authorities have promised to take action to address the issue, but many remain skeptical. The case is seen as a test of the government's commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability.
The outcome of the case is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the victims are determined to see justice served. They have been waiting for over a decade for their housing units, and many have lost hope. The court's decision will be closely watched, not just by the victims but also by the wider public, who are eager to see the government take action against corruption and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Key points
- Former Algiers mayor faces 7-year prison sentence over stalled housing project
- 2,000 people affected by delayed housing project
- Victims demand compensation for emotional, psychological, and financial losses
