Algeria jails two ex-PMs in landmark corruption trial

An Algerian court jailed two former prime ministers for corruption, two days before a presidential election which protesters want cancelled.

Ahmed Ouyahia, who was prime minister four times, received a 10-year jail sentence and Abdelmalek Sellal, who was twice premier, was jailed for 12 years. They denied all charges, including “misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power and granting undue privileges”.

Former Algerian prime ministers sentenced
 A combo photo shows former Algerian Prime Ministers Ahmed Ouyahia (L) and Abdelmalek Sellal.  EPA-EFE/MOHAMED MESSARA

The court in Algiers also handed 10-year prison terms to two former industry ministers, and sentences ranging from three to seven years to five prominent businessmen.

Bouteflika resigned in April under pressure from the protests which began in February. Demonstrators say Thursday’s election will not be fair because some of Bouteflika’s allies are still in power.

Via France 24

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