Former Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal was placed in provisional detention following an audition by the investigating judge at the Supreme Court. This development comes a day after another former Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia, was incarcerated. Sellal's detention is related to allegations of embezzlement of public funds, abuse of power, and granting undue privileges. The investigation was conducted by the judicial police and national gendarmerie in Algiers.
The case involves several high-ranking officials, including former ministers and governors. The Public Prosecutor's Office at the Algiers Court had transferred the preliminary investigation file to the Supreme Court, citing penal charges against the accused individuals. These charges stem from their actions while in office. The prosecutor's office explained that the accused benefited from jurisdictional privilege due to their positions at the time of the alleged offenses.
Sellal's lawyer, Me Dehim Ahmed, stated that his client was questioned about allegations related to the awarding of public contracts. According to Me Dehim, Sellal's provisional detention is a procedural step within the jurisdiction of the investigating judge at the Supreme Court and does not constitute a judgment. This clarification highlights the ongoing legal process and the specific charges being considered.
On the same day, Amara Benyounès was also ordered to be placed in provisional detention at El Harrach prison. Benyounès had previously been questioned as a witness at the Sidi M'hamed court. The investigating judge's decision regarding Benyounès follows a similar line of inquiry into corruption allegations. These developments indicate a continued effort by Algerian authorities to address corruption within the country's political and administrative spheres.
The investigations and detentions are part of a broader crackdown on corruption in Algeria. Several former high-ranking officials, including Prime Ministers and ministers, have been implicated in these cases. The authorities have been working to uncover and prosecute instances of corruption, abuse of power, and embezzlement. This process involves multiple branches of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
The case against Abdelghani Zaâlane, a former Minister of Public Works, took a different turn. Zaâlane was placed under judicial supervision after being questioned in connection with corruption-related cases. This decision suggests that while some individuals face detention, others may be subject to less severe measures as part of the ongoing investigations.
The Algerian legal system's handling of these high-profile cases will be closely watched. The detention of former Prime Ministers Sellal and Benyounès, along with the investigations into other officials, underscores the government's commitment to tackling corruption. The outcome of these cases may have significant implications for the country's political landscape and efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
Key points
- Former Algerian Prime Ministers Abdelmalek Sellal and Amara Benyounès have been placed in provisional detention amid allegations of corruption and abuse of power.
- The investigations involve multiple high-ranking officials and are part of a broader effort to combat corruption in Algeria.
- The cases highlight the country's ongoing challenges with transparency and accountability in its political and administrative sectors.
