Algerian Court Postpones Ali Haddad's Appeal Hearing to October 11

The Court of Appeal in Algiers has decided to postpone the appeal hearing of businessman Ali Haddad to October 11. Haddad was initially sentenced to 18 years in prison and an 8-million Algerian Dinar fine. The postponement was made at the request of Haddad's defense team, which boycotted the hearing in accordance with a decision by the Algiers Bar Association. The boycott was called in protest of unresolved professional issues.

The defense team's boycott is part of a broader protest by Algerian lawyers. The Algiers Bar Association had announced a one-week boycott of court hearings and judicial work, starting from the day of the postponed hearing. This move aims to pressure authorities to address the lawyers' professional concerns. Haddad, who is currently incarcerated at Tazoult prison in Batna, refused to participate in the hearing remotely.

In contrast, Ahmed Ouyahia, a former Prime Minister implicated in the same case and detained at Abadla prison in Bechar, agreed to participate in the hearing. Other defendants, including former Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and several former ministers, appeared in court. The case involves multiple accusations of corruption, including obtaining unfair real estate and banking privileges and concluding contracts in violation of legislation.

Ali Haddad, the former head of the Algerian Forum for Economic Development and Social Council (FCE), was found guilty on several counts. These include the confiscation of all his assets for corruption-related offenses. Haddad's brothers were also implicated, along with several high-ranking officials and former ministers.

The case has seen several high-profile convictions. Former Prime Ministers Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal, along with other ministers and officials, were sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined one million Algerian Dinars each. The charges against them include embezzlement of public funds, granting undue advantages, and abuse of power.

The appeal hearing is crucial for the defendants, as it will determine their final sentences. The court's decision to postpone the hearing has given the defense team more time to prepare their arguments. The case has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendants and the severity of the charges.

The Algerian judicial system has been under scrutiny for its handling of corruption cases. The government's efforts to combat corruption have led to several high-profile prosecutions. The outcome of Haddad's appeal will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future cases involving corruption and abuse of power.

Key points

• The Court of Appeal in Algiers has postponed Ali Haddad's appeal hearing to October 11.
• The defense team boycotted the hearing over unresolved professional issues.
• The case involves multiple accusations of corruption against high-ranking officials and businessmen.