In a significant development in Algeria's ongoing anti-corruption campaign, the cases against former minister Chakib Khelil and Amar Ghoul have been transferred to the Supreme Court. According to a statement from the high judicial institution, the cases involve alleged infractions to the legislation and regulations governing foreign exchange and capital movements. This move follows a call by the head of the army, Gaïd Salah, for judicial proceedings against several high-profile individuals.
The Supreme Court received the cases under Article 573 of the penal procedure code, which stipulates that when a minister is suspected of a crime or offense committed while in office, the public prosecutor must refer the case to the Supreme Court. The court has not specified the exact charges against Chakib Khelil, but sources suggest they relate to his time as energy minister and involvement with state-owned oil company Sonatrach. Khelil has been implicated in several corruption cases, including one involving Italian company Saipem.
An international arrest warrant has been issued for Chakib Khelil, although he has not been extradited. Another former minister, Amar Ghoul, will face trial in connection with the East-West highway project. Ghoul is also subject to a request for parliamentary immunity to be lifted, as are former ministers Djamel Ould Abbès and Saïd Barkat, who are accused of embezzlement at the Ministry of Solidarity.
In a separate case, the investigating judge at the Sidi M'Hamed court ordered the imprisonment of three brothers, Kouninef, and five officials from the Industry Ministry. They were taken into custody and transported to El Harrach prison. The Kouninef brothers and the ministry officials are implicated in corruption cases.
These developments demonstrate the Algerian authorities' determination to tackle corruption and hold high-ranking officials accountable. The cases against Chakib Khelil, Amar Ghoul, and others have garnered significant attention, given the prominence of the individuals involved. The judicial process is expected to continue, with further hearings and investigations.
The anti-corruption campaign, led by Gaïd Salah, has resulted in numerous high-profile cases being brought before the courts. Several former ministers and business leaders have been implicated, and the process of lifting parliamentary immunity has been initiated in some cases. The authorities aim to restore public trust and transparency in government.
The cases against Chakib Khelil and Amar Ghoul will now be heard by the Supreme Court, which will determine the next steps in the judicial process. The imprisonment of the Kouninef brothers and ministry officials marks a significant development in the ongoing anti-corruption efforts. The Algerian public awaits further updates on these high-profile cases.
Key points
- Algerian authorities transfer cases against former minister Chakib Khelil and Amar Ghoul to Supreme Court.
- Brothers Kouninef and five ministry officials imprisoned in corruption case.
- Anti-corruption campaign led by Gaïd Salah results in numerous high-profile cases.
