Trial of ex-Algerian premiers on corruption charges begins

The trial of former Algerian officials, including two prime ministers, and businessmen on corruption charges started on Wednesday, as protests continue in the North African country against the December 12 presidential election.

The Sidi M’hamed Court in the capital Algiers opened the trial of former premiers Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal, along with former industry ministers Youcef Yousfi, Mahdjoub Bedda and Abdeslam Bouchouareb, who is on the run, and former transport minister Abdelghani Zaalane.

The officials, who all served under former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, face charges of squandering public money and abusing powers in a case related to car assembly.

Security measures were tightened in the vicinity of the court, where hundreds of Algerians gathered.

Bouteflika, 82, ruled the country for two decades - an era dominated by cronyism and mismanagement - before he stepped down in April in the wake of nationwide protests and pressure from the country's powerful military.

Algeria has launched a crackdown against senior officials and businessmen who were close to Bouteflika over charges of involvement in corruption cases.

The trial comes as rallies against the polls have gained momentum in the recent weeks.

The protesters demand that key Bouteflika-era officials should resign before the country holds new elections.

In September, an Algerian military court sentenced Bouteflika's brother Said as well as two ex-intelligence chiefs, and a political party leader to 15 years in prison.

Former defense minister Khaled Nezzar and his son got 20 years in jail over charges of conspiring against the army and the state.