Abderrahmane Bensbaâ, alias Bahmane, the former mayor of Akbou, has been sentenced to life in prison in absentia by the Béjaïa correctional court. He was convicted of falsifying official documents and abusing his power for personal gain. Bensbaâ has been accused of mismanaging the commune of Akbou, the second-largest in the wilaya of Béjaïa. His sentence was handed down in a trial that took place in his absence, as he is believed to be in France.
According to sources, the case against Bensbaâ dates back to 2014, when an investigation was launched following a damning report submitted by opposition councilors. The report led to the establishment of an investigative commission by the wilaya authorities to examine the commune's management. The commission's findings, read out by the then-wali of Béjaïa, Hamou Ahmed Touhami, revealed over 100 infractions.
Bensbaâ was tried in the Kherrata court, as per article 15 of the code of criminal procedure, which stipulates that a mayor, as an officer of the judicial police, must be tried in a different jurisdiction. The former mayor has been in France since last October and has been on the run for some time. His sentence can still be appealed, but some jurists argue that the judgment is not yet final since it was handed down in absentia.
Bensbaâ had been the mayor of Akbou for 20 years, having first been elected in 1997 under the FFS banner. He went on to contest several other elections under different party colors. During his four terms in office, many projects were registered but not completed, and the commune's financial surplus is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of centimes.
The commune of Akbou is considered one of the richest in the wilaya, but its management under Bensbaâ has been widely criticized. Several projects initiated during his tenure remain unrealized to this day. The former mayor's methods of managing the commune's affairs have been questioned by many, and his conviction is seen as a significant development in the efforts to tackle corruption and mismanagement in the region.
Bensbaâ's case has garnered significant attention, particularly given the scope of the alleged corruption and mismanagement. The wilaya authorities have taken steps to address the issues, including the establishment of an investigative commission. The outcome of the trial and the sentence handed down to Bensbaâ are seen as a positive step towards accountability and transparency in local governance.
The life sentence handed down to Bensbaâ serves as a warning to other officials who may be tempted to engage in similar corrupt practices. The case highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability in local government, and the authorities' efforts to tackle corruption and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Key points
- Former Akbou mayor Abderrahmane Bensbaâ sentenced to life in prison for falsification of documents and abuse of power.
- Bensbaâ's mismanagement of the commune of Akbou led to hundreds of billions of centimes in unspent funds and unrealized projects.
- The case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in local governance in Algeria.
