Two former Algerian prime ministers face ground-breaking corruption trial
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Two former Algerian prime ministers went on trial Wednesday on corruption charges, in the most high-profile act of transparency and accountability since a pro-democracy movement pushed out the long-serving president.
The exceptional trial, which is being televised and also involves several other former Algerian power players, comes at a time of renewed political tensions in the oil and gas-rich country, a week ahead of a controversial election to replace President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Ahmed Ouyahia, who was forced out as prime minister in March as protests against Bouteflika escalated, and his predecessor Abdelmalek Sellal, testified Wednesday at the Sidi M’Hamed court in Algiers.
7 Members of Algeria’s Research and Intervention Brigades (BRI) stand guard outside a court during the trial of senior officials including two former prime ministers in Algiers, Algeria, 05 December 2019. The two former Prime Ministers Abdelmalek Sellal and Ahmed Ouyahia will appear before the judge on charges of money laundering and corruption. EPA-EFE/MOHAMED MESSARA
Both are charged with “corruption and the misappropriation of public funds” and both deny any wrongdoing.
Two former industry ministers who served under Bouteflika, influential car industry executives, bankers and other businessmen are also facing charges.
