Algeria: Former officials sentences to jail, protesters unmoved as battle against military regime rages

Posted On 10 December 2019

Number of times this article was read : 73

Algiers, Dec 10, 2019 – An Algerian court sentenced two former prime ministers to long jail terms Tuesday in the first of a series of high-profile corruption trials launched after longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned in the face of mass protests in April. The verdicts come just two days before Algeria is due to elect a president to replace Bouteflika in a vote bitterly opposed by the country’s nine-month-old protest movement, which sees it as a regime ploy to cling to power.  Former prime ministers Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal, who were both
close to the ousted president, were sentenced to 15 years and 12 years respectively.

It was the first time since Algeria’s independence from France in 1962 that former prime ministers have been put on trial. The state prosecutor had sought 20-year prison sentences for the two ex-premiers. In all, 19 defendants were tried on charges ranging from money laundering to abuse of office and granting undue privileges in the vehicle assembly industry. The nascent Algerian automotive sector got its start in 2014, via partnerships between foreign groups and large Algerian corporations, many of which are owned by businessmen linked to Bouteflika’s entourage. One former industry minister, Abdeslam Bouchouareb, who is on the run abroad, was sentenced in absentia to 20 years. Two other former industry ministers, Mahdjoub Bedda and Youcef Yousfi, were handed 10-year terms. Businessman Ali Haddad, founder and CEO of private construction firm ETRHB and former head of Algeria’s main employers’ organisation, was sentenced to seven years.

Three businessmen who own vehicle assembly plants — Ahmed Mazouz, Hassen Arbaoui and Mohamed Bairi — were sentenced to seven years, six years and three years respectively. Defence lawyers boycotted the trial, alleging the proceedings were “politicised” and impacted by a climate of “settling scores”.

– Protesters unmoved –

The high-profile prosecutions have done little to win over the protesters, who have continued to take to the streets since Bouteflika’s resignation, demanding the total dismantling of the military-dominated system that has ruled Algeria since independence. Many fear the trials are little more than a high-level purge in a struggle between still-powerful regime insiders, rather than a genuine effort to reform the state. The military high command, which has long wielded power from behind the scenes, has now been forced to take a visible, front-line role in government — but has rejected the demands of protesters and civil society for sweeping reforms. It has paid little attention to popular calls to replace the constitution that served to legitimise Bouteflika’s grip on power. Instead, the army has pushed for a swift election to pick a replacement for Bouteflika, saying it is the only route to resolving the political crisis.

While no opinion polls have been published, observers expect high levels of abstention, in keeping with previous elections in a political system seen by voters as rigid and unaccountable. The five candidates in the poll have run low-key campaigns. All are considered “children of the system”, having either supported Bouteflika or participated in his government — two as ministers and two as prime ministers. Protesters accuse them of protecting the regime by standing for election.

By AFP

The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Libya’s fragmented military and competition for its control

Libya’s fragmented military and competition for its control

While the world is focused on the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine, a power struggle continues to destabilize Libya, with protagonists competing for the control of the armed forces. Three factions are now at the center of an ongoing struggle over the fate of the...

Algeria: Diphtheria and Malaria outbreak in southern border regions claims at least 40 lives

Algeria: Diphtheria and Malaria outbreak in southern border regions claims at least 40 lives

Algeria’s southern provinces are experiencing an outbreak of malaria and diphtheria, with the authorities working to reassure that public that “the situation is stable.” The most affected region appears to be Timiaouine, in the Bordj Badji Mokhtar province. The Algerian Health Security Agency says  the two diseases have already claimed the lives of 40 people. Local sources say the malaria outbreak is due to marshes formed after heavy rains hit the region in September.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This