Algeria’s former finance minister, Karim Djoudi, appeared before the Supreme Court on Sunday to face questions about corruption accusations, reported Aljazeera.
Djoudi remained the finance minister of Algeria between 2007 and 2014. He resigned in 2014 on health grounds before being named former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s adviser for the past two years. He was being questioned in connection with the disappearance of public funds, abuse of office and granting undue privileges.
Former transport minister Amar Tou also appeared before the Supreme Court’s investigating magistrate on Sunday. Djoudi and Tou are among 12 former Algerian officials subject to preliminary probes for alleged criminal offenses.
A series of senior figures associated with Bouteflika are currently facing investigations after mass protests broke out this year demanding the departure of the ruling elite of corrupt politicians and businessmen who have been ruling Algeria since independence from France in 1962.
Last week, the court detained two former prime ministers, Ahmed Ouyahia, Abdelmalek Sella as well as former trade minister Amara Benyounes for misappropriation of public funds and awarding illegal privileges. Both Ouyahia and Sella served under president Bouteflika, who quit on April 2 under pressure from protesters and the army after ruling the nation for over 20 years.
Former trade minister Amara Benyounes has been detained in El Harrach prison and former public works minister Abdelghani Zaalane has been conditionally released. Other prominent figures under investigation include former energy minister Chakib Khelil, Bouteflika’s younger brother Said and several prominent businessmen.
Demonstrations have continued since Bouteflika stepped down, as protesters want the fall of regime insiders and the establishment of independent institutions. Army chief of staff Ahmed Gaed Salah has also appealed the judiciary to speed up the prosecution of people suspected of involvement in corruption cases.
The presidential election previously set for July 4 has been postponed. A new date for the vote is yet to be announced.
