Anis Rahmani, also known as Mohamed Mokadem, was taken into custody on Wednesday evening on the Ben Aknoun – Dar El-Beïda highway, alongside his wife. He was subsequently held at the Bab Djedid gendarmerie in Algiers for nearly 24 hours before being brought before an investigating judge at the Bir Mourad Raïs court. Rahmani's detention was ordered pending further investigation into allegations of acquiring undue advantages and holding foreign bank accounts.
Rahmani's arrest and detention are part of an ongoing investigation led by gendarmes under the supervision of the prosecutor at the Bir Mourad Raïs court. His home in western Algiers was reportedly searched on Wednesday evening as part of the probe. The media mogul is facing multiple charges, including allegations of acquiring undue advantages and holding foreign bank accounts, according to sources cited by the APS news agency.
This is not Rahmani's first run-in with the law. He was recently sentenced to six months in prison, along with his editor-in-chief, for defamation against the family of Amar Brahmia, a member of the Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee. The sentence was handed down by the Bir Mourad Raïs court, which had also found them guilty of undermining the reputation of retired General Hocine Benhadid.
Rahmani's media group, Ennahar TV, has faced significant backlash, with over 300 complaints filed against it. One of the earliest complaints dates back to 2013, filed by the National Office for University Works (ONOU) following a report on university residences that sparked controversy. The complaints against Ennahar TV and its management have been mounting over the years.
In a separate case, Mohamed Laïd Benamor, head of the agro-food company Amor Benamor, and his brother Mohamed El-Hadi were also detained at El-Harrach prison on charges of corruption. The two brothers are accused of embezzlement of public funds and illegal exploitation of agricultural land. A total of 17 individuals who were questioned in connection with this case were released.
The developments in these cases have raised concerns about corruption and accountability in Algeria. The authorities have been cracking down on alleged irregularities in various sectors, including media and business. Anis Rahmani's detention and the charges against him and other business leaders highlight the government's efforts to tackle corruption and ensure transparency.
Key points
- Anis Rahmani was detained on allegations of acquiring undue advantages and holding foreign bank accounts.
- Rahmani's media group, Ennahar TV, faces over 300 complaints.
- The Algerian authorities have been taking steps to tackle corruption and ensure accountability in various sectors.
