Two Algeria ex-PMs slapped with hefty jail terms in landmark corruption trial

An Algerian court sentenced Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal to 15 years and 12 years in prison, and were handed $16,000 (£12,136) and $8,000 (£6,068) respectively in fines.

The pair of former prime ministers had been accused of abusing authority in a car manufacturing embezzlement scandal.

Both served under former long-time president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who had been pushed out earlier this year by nation-wide protests due to anger over corruption in the country’s government.

The court had persued a similar sentence for former industry minister Abdeslam Bouchouareb, who is being tried in absentia as he has fled abroad.

Police surrounded the courthouse as protesters attempted to enter the building to see the trial, which is the first of its kind since Algeria’s independence from France in 1962.

Both Ouyahia and Sellal denied accusations against them.

Many shouted “Gang of gangsters!” as others waved Algerian flags.

The trial was televised in an unusual move by authorities to show the public that they are taking protestors’ concerns about corruption series.

Though it was the most high-profile corruption conviction since the peaceful protest movement began in February, many young Algerians remain unconvinced that the upcoming elections is a move away from the status quo.

All five candidates have a close connection to the establishment. Protestor Abdelkarim, 22, said students gathered in the central Algiers University Campus earlier this week in support of a general strike that started on Sunday and spilled out into the streets against a pro-election rally.

“We wanted to express our rejection of the elections just as they expressed their opinions,” he said.

Earlier this week saw enormous crowds marching the streets of Algiers, with protestors shouting “No to voting!”

Many see the contentious presidential election as an attempt by the old elite and Bouteflika allies to use the vote to usher in one of their own.

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