[Algiers, Algeria — In a landmark ruling, former Algerian Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, Ali Aoun, has been handed a five-year prison sentence for corruption, according to reports from the Algerian online news site Dzair Tube.
The conviction, which follows an extensive investigation, marks a significant victory in the country’s ongoing anticorruption campaign. ] The high-profile corruption case has garnered widespread attention both domestically and internationally. Aoun, who held his position from 2022 to 2024, was implicated in irregular sales of ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste, a violation of public asset management rules.
The charges against Aoun included corruption, mismanagement, and the unlawful awarding of industrial and investment contracts, particularly those involving the trade in ferrous waste and copper residues.
The case also saw the conviction of Aoun’s son, Mehdi, who received a six-year prison term, along with sentences of three to ten years for investors, a state-owned business official, and a prominent businessman. This conviction comes amidst a broader anticorruption drive initiated by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who took office in 2019 amidst widespread pro-democracy protests. Tebboune’s administration has targeted senior officials, including those from the era of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, as part of its commitment to tackling corruption at the highest levels of government.
The case underscores the Algerian government’s efforts to reform and modernize its economy, particularly in the industrial sector. It also serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in combating corruption in Africa, where such issues often hinder economic development and stability.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
—
By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
Source: Al Jazeera Staff and AFP
