Algeria to open Sonatrach 1 case on Sunday

A total of 15 people involved in the Sonatrach 1 case will appear in a court in Algiers on Sunday as it was postponed more than twice. Defence lawyers said they will not accept to postpone the trial once again.

The suspects include Sonatrach’s former CEO Mohamed Meziane, his two sons and two executive directors. Four Italian and German companies are also prosecuted on corruption-related charges.

The investigation was opened, six years ago. The case raised a large controversy as it touched the biggest oil company in Algeria.

Chairman of Lawyers’ Organization in the province of Sidi Belabbes Mohamed Ottmani said defence lawyers are ready for the trial and will not accept to postpone it.

“Many things changed in the last few months. We gave a list of witnesses to the General Prosecutor’s Office. Even if they are not called in, we will continue the trial,” he said.

Speaking about Sonatrach’s former CEO Nourredine Cherouati who succeeded Meziane, Ottmani said lawyers will use his previous remarks reported by media.

Lawyer Khaled Borghol said there is no reason to postpone the case.

“Accused people have been in temporary prison for more than five years. The Sonatrach 1 case has no sense anymore following political remarks made by party leaders,” he added.

He believes that remarks made by Algeria-ruling party’s representative about the Sonatrach case are based on false reports.

“It is unbelievable to acquit a minister and keep central directors in prison. After all those political remarks which were not denied by official institutions, no reason remain to keep the accused people in jail,” he added.