The Algerian court has postponed the appeal trial of Abdelghani Hamel, the former Director-General of National Security, and several family members, as well as former officials, to June 28. The decision was made after the defendants rejected the remote trial procedure implemented as a preventive measure against Covid-19. Hamel and his family members face multiple charges, including money laundering, illicit enrichment, influence peddling, and obtaining land through illicit means.
The initial trial, held on April 1, resulted in severe penalties for Hamel and his family. The former DGSN was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined 8 million Algerian dinars. His sons, Amiar and Chafik, received 10 and 8 years in prison, respectively, along with fines of 6 and 5 million dinars. Mourad, another son, was sentenced to 7 years in prison and fined 5 million dinars. Hamel's daughter, Chahinaz, received a 3-year prison sentence and a 5-million-dinar fine.
The trial also implicated several former high-ranking officials. Abdelmalek Boudiaf, the former wali of Oran, and Abdelghani Zaalane, another former wali of Oran, were both sentenced to 3 years in prison and fined 1 million dinars. Bensebane Zoubir, the former wali of Tlemcen, received a 3-year prison sentence. Ghellaï Moussa, the former wali of Tipaza, was sentenced to 5 years in prison and fined 1 million dinars. Mohamed Rehaimia, the ex-director general of the Office de promotion et de gestion immobilière, received a 3-year prison sentence and a 500,000-dinar fine.
The court also ruled that the companies owned by Hamel's family would be fined 32 million dinars and have all seized assets and properties confiscated. The charges against Hamel and his associates include serious allegations of corruption and financial misconduct during his tenure as DGSN. The postponement of the appeal trial allows the defendants to prepare their defense and for the prosecution to gather additional evidence.
The case has garnered significant attention in Algeria due to the high-profile nature of the defendants and the severity of the charges. The Algerian government has been actively pursuing anti-corruption efforts, and this case is seen as a significant test of the country's judicial system's ability to hold high-ranking officials accountable. The June 28 trial date will be closely watched by observers and the public.
The allegations against Hamel and his family members involve complex financial transactions and abuse of power. If convicted, they could face significant prison time and financial penalties. The case highlights the challenges faced by Algeria in addressing corruption and ensuring accountability among its leaders.
The appeal trial's outcome will have implications for Algeria's efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency. The court's decision to postpone the trial allows for further examination of the evidence and preparation by both the prosecution and the defense. The case will continue to be closely monitored by the public and observers alike.
Key points
- The Algerian court has postponed the appeal trial of Abdelghani Hamel and his family members to June 28.
- Hamel and his family face charges including money laundering, illicit enrichment, and influence peddling.
- The initial trial resulted in severe penalties for Hamel and his family, including lengthy prison sentences and significant fines.
