Algerian Defense Team Denies Charges Against Abdelmoumène Khalifa

The defense team of Abdelmoumène Khalifa, former head of Khalifa Bank, has denied all charges brought against him, including qualified theft, breach of trust, falsification of official documents, and corruption. During a hearing at the Blida criminal court, Khalifa's lawyer argued that his client was prevented from attending the trial due to feelings of insecurity and fear of an unfair trial. The lawyer claimed that Khalifa was targeted for political reasons and that the charges against him were unfounded.

The defense team argued that the former regime had intended to liquidate Khalifa Bank before investigating alleged infractions. Khalifa's lawyer described his client as a young Algerian entrepreneur who invested in his country during a tumultuous period and created thousands of jobs. The lawyer expressed hope that this retrial, which began after the Supreme Court overturned a 2015 verdict, would be fair and different from the previous trial. Khalifa was sentenced to 18 years in prison and fined one million Algerian dinars in 2015.

The defense team questioned the charges of falsification of bank documents, citing that the documents in question were dated after Khalifa had left Algeria. They also argued that charges of theft and breach of trust were unfounded, as funds were deposited voluntarily by clients. The lawyer pointed out that another defendant, Youcef Akli, was convicted of theft in 2007, making it impossible to charge Khalifa with the same crime.

Khalifa's lawyer also argued that his client could not be charged with corruption, as all public officials who deposited funds in Khalifa Bank were acquitted of the same crime. Additionally, the lawyer claimed that Khalifa never held a government position, making it impossible for him to be accused of influence peddling. The defense team requested that Khalifa be acquitted of all charges and that his confiscated assets, including a car and a factory, be returned.

The trial will continue with the defense team's arguments for the remaining defendants. The prosecution presented its case, and all defendants, witnesses, and civil parties were heard. Khalifa and other defendants are accused of multiple crimes, including forming a criminal association, falsifying documents, and fraudulent bankruptcy.

The defense team's arguments focused on the alleged political motivations behind the charges against Khalifa. They claimed that the former regime targeted Khalifa due to his refusal to finance the electoral campaign of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The lawyer argued that the charges against Khalifa were unfounded and that he should be acquitted.

The case against Khalifa and other defendants will continue to be heard in court. The defense team's arguments have raised questions about the validity of the charges and the fairness of the trial. A verdict is expected in the coming days.

Key points

• The defense team claims that the charges against Khalifa are unfounded and politically motivated.
• Khalifa was sentenced to 18 years in prison and fined one million Algerian dinars in 2015.
• The trial will continue with the defense team's arguments for the remaining defendants.