11 Emirs carried out falconry illegally in Algeria

A man appeared in a court in Algeria for helping 11 Emirs from the gulf in carrying out falconry without authorisation from authorities.

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• The suspect was arrested after the Algerian interiors ministry had lodged a complaint against him. He was accused of counterfeiting official documents.
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• The Emirs entered Algeria in January 2009 for falconry and tourism in the province of Beyedh (south of Algiers) while the prefect did not know about that.
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• The 30-year-old man holds the position of an excetutive director at a Qatari commercial company. He lives in Ryad and has Algerian nationality.
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• He said he had no idea about the fake licence as he was in charge of the arrival of the Emirs to Algeria by the help of a travel agency owner.
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• He added that the head of the delegation Sultan Fahd Ben Abdellah received a licence at Sheraton hotel from the agency owner.
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• According to the suspect, the Emirs entered the country through Hourai Boumediene airport and some of their birds were seized to examine them.
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• “Local Authorities in Beyedh received the delegation and were in charge of ensuring their safety.”
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• “Procedures can not be illegal with all this welcome!” he said.
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• Public treasury claimed financial compensation if the suspect is convicted.
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• The court acquitted the suspect after the Attorney General had sought 13 years in prison for him.