Algerian Authorities decide to close the corruption files

Algerian authorities decide to close finally the corruption files that were stacked since years, after they started, in a way that shows a desire to close these files once for all and in final way, despite the new details which are revealed by the accused in files, especially the names of big heads who are suspected to be the source of corruption in the country.

Justice launched, since the beginning of March, the consideration of many cases that were behind stealing billions of dollars from the public treasury, due to deals and bribes, in the framework of obtaining large projects that destroy the country’s infrastructure and financial system, like the Khalifa case, East-West Highway, Sonatrach case, which reached 13 files “Sonatrach 13”, National Maritime Transport Company, iron wastes case, which is expected to be open tomorrow on Monday, and other files that were open in the same period, then they will be close finally during this criminal session –according to judicial sources that were interviewed by Echorouk-.

Professor Mostafa Bouchachi, former MP for FFS, said the political system in Algeria has no sincere intention to fight corruption, and this is evident through all the phenomena that Algeria experienced, according to him, and which were carried by the internal reports on the situation that is prevailing in the country, and the rampant corruption at all levels.

“Despite the opening of all the cases and the attempt to find a final decision for them, but it is merely an “attempt to throw dust in the eyes and give the appearance that the authority is combating corruption”, because the cases that are usually open make of the “little whale” the scapegoat, then the accused is followed for the purpose of camouflage and covering up the “great whale”.

“In the cases of corruption, the judicial authority is responsible for the real follow-ups, but in the history of Algerian justice, all the follow-ups against influential figures need a political decision rather than a judicial one.”

“For example, the Khalifa case and the decision to bring him from Britain, in the presence of a corrupt political system, we cannot talk about the intention to close the files, because the victim would be the small whale and not the big one.”

For his part, the economic expert, Abderrahman Mebtoul, believed, that the Algerian authorities should take advantage of the financial scandals and corruption cases that were recorded at all levels, because these files make officials lose their credibility in front of public opinion.

“No official who is directly or indirectly implicated in these cases can keep the credibility, because this concerns the image of Algeria at the international level, even if he/she is not guilty”.