The verdict in the Ali Haddad case was delivered on Wednesday by the Sidi M'hamed court in Algeria. Amara Benyounes, the former Minister of Industry, was one of the defendants in the case. Benyounes denied all charges brought against him, stating that he had done nothing wrong during his tenure. The court's decision was highly anticipated, given the high-profile nature of the case and the number of prominent figures involved.
According to the court's findings, Benyounes was accused of granting a cementery in Relizane to ETRHB, a company linked to Ali Haddad. However, Benyounes claimed that the cementery did not exist and that the case revolved around a mining title granted to Haddad. During his tenure as Minister of Industry and Investment Promotion, Benyounes argued that he did not have the authority to grant mining titles, land, or bank credits.
The prosecution had requested an eight-year prison sentence for Benyounes, despite the lack of evidence in the case. The court ultimately sentenced him to three years in prison and a fine of 500,000 dinars. Benyounes' lawyers announced that they would appeal the verdict, citing the disproportionate nature of the sentence given the lack of evidence.
The court rejected all charges of embezzlement of public funds, illicit advantages, and corruption, but convicted Benyounes of "misuse of function." His lawyers argued that the trial was politically motivated and that their client was not involved in any shady dealings or corruption cases.
Benyounes was Minister of Trade at the time the alleged irregularities took place, and his lawyers insisted that he did not have the necessary authority to grant concessions. The case centered around a cementery project in Relizane, which was implemented during the tenure of Abdeslam Bouchouareb as Minister of Industry.
The verdict has sparked controversy, with Benyounes' lawyers describing it as unjust and disproportionate. They pointed out that the court failed to find any evidence of wrongdoing, despite the prosecution's claims. The case has raised concerns about the use of justice as a tool for political persecution in Algeria.
The case against Benyounes and other defendants, including Ali Haddad, is part of a broader crackdown on corruption in Algeria. The trial has been closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the defendants and the allegations of corruption and misuse of power.
Key points
- Amara Benyounes was sentenced to 3 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 dinars.
- The court rejected all charges of embezzlement and corruption, but convicted Benyounes of "misuse of function."
- Benyounes' lawyers announced that they would appeal the verdict, citing the lack of evidence and the disproportionate nature of the sentence.
