Algeria's Minister of Justice, Lotfi Boudjemaa, announced plans to establish 13 new commercial courts across the country, bringing the total number to 25. This move aims to enhance the country's judicial network and address commercial disputes more effectively. The new courts will be operational in the coming days, following a decree published to reinforce the specialized commercial court network. This expansion is in line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's instructions to widen the network of commercial courts.
The new commercial courts will be staffed by specialized magistrates trained in commercial law. These magistrates will be assigned to regions lacking such courts, ensuring that commercial disputes are handled by experts. The minister emphasized that the growth of commercial activities requires adapted judicial management of potential disputes. The specialized courts will enable the efficient handling of commercial litigation, promoting a more business-friendly environment.
In addition to the new commercial courts, Algeria will also expand its network of specialized criminal poles. The number of these poles will increase to ten nationwide, addressing the needs of regions with high judicial pressure. This expansion aims to adapt the judicial organization to the volume and nature of cases handled, improving the management of specialized criminal cases.
The Ministry of Justice is also pursuing its digitalization efforts. The minister announced the extension of the national electronic counter services to administrative courts of appeal and the Council of State. This digital platform allows litigants and their lawyers to consult case updates, access judgments and decisions, and obtain copies of judicial decisions in administrative matters.
The digitalization of judicial services will facilitate access to information on judicial procedures and further modernize the justice sector. Users will be able to access these services from any administrative jurisdiction nationwide, including administrative tribunals and courts of appeal. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the efficiency and transparency of Algeria's judicial system.
During his visit to Oran, Minister Boudjemaa inaugurated new buildings for the Gdyel and Bir El-Djir tribunals, as well as the Oran administrative court of appeal. He also inspected the construction of a penitentiary and a Lawyer's House. The minister's visit included an inspection of the Oran Court of Justice and a presentation on the functioning of the judicial activity in this jurisdiction.
The minister's visit concluded with a meeting with magistrates, officials, justice auxiliaries, and justice agents at the court premises. The meeting provided an opportunity for discussion on the current state of the judicial system and the challenges it faces. The establishment of new commercial courts and the expansion of specialized criminal poles are expected to improve the delivery of justice in Algeria.
Key points
- Algeria to establish 13 new commercial courts, bringing the total to 25 nationwide.
- The country will also expand its network of specialized criminal poles to ten.
- The Ministry of Justice is extending its digital services to administrative courts of appeal and the Council of State.
