Algeria’s Supreme Court has ordered the detention of former Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia as part of an anti-corruption investigation, according to state media. He is being investigated over corruption cases including awarding illegal privileges, reported France 24.
A close aide of the former longtime ruler, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Ouyahia is the most senior figure who has been detained since mass protests began earlier this year demanding the removal of the ruling elite and their prosecution and calling for a new political system. He left the government in March as part of a cabinet reshuffle. He is the leader of Algeria’s second largest party, Democratic National Rally (RND).
Abdelghani Zaalane, Algeria’s former transport, and public works minister was also detained by the court in connection with a corruption investigation, state television reported.
In February, mass protests broke out in Algeria, forcing former President Bouteflika to resign on April 2. Even after Bouteflika’s exit, the protesters continued with the protests to maintain pressure on the country’s ruling elite. They are now seeking the departure of interim President Abdelkader Bensalah and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui. Bensalah has been appointed an interim leader until July 9.
The army opened a number of corruption investigations against some of the most influential figures. Several senior officials, including another former prime minister, Abdelmalek Sellal, and eight former ministers appeared before the court last month on suspicion of corruption.
Bouteflika’s youngest brother, Said, along with two former intelligence chiefs were put in custody by a military judge for “harming the army’s authority and plotting against state authority”. Several prominent businessmen have been detained pending trial.
Earlier this month, Algeria’s Constitutional Council canceled the July 4 presidential vote citing lack of candidates. New date for the vote is yet to be fixed. The council added that it was now up to interim President to set a date for a new vote.
