Algerian lawyers’ representative to Echourouk: There is no existence for secret torture centers in Algeria

In a lengthy and freewheeling interview with Echourouk, the chairman of the Lawyers National Associations Union Mustapha Al Anouar talks about the justice sector and the lawyers’ grievances.

• He has shed light on some attempts made by the executive branch to interfere in the affairs of the lawyers’ national union, and vehemently denied the existence of secret torture centers in Algeria.
• Talking about the latest meeting with the justice minister Mohammed Chorfi, M Al -Anouar has indicated that the encounter that brought together the minister and the 15 presidents that represent lawyers’ union, has wound up fir the first time in history with the elaboration of two written documents endorsed by the minister after through debate.
• Talking on behalf of the representatives, I herein express my optimism as to the outcome after clinching the accord of the relevant ministry on 18 grievances that will be enacted according to the agreement.
• The profession’s draft law which is currently forwarded to the parliament for discussion has stirred a lot of controversy. This institution is sovereign and nobody can stop its proceedings. But the dissensions that surfaced among the lawyers pushed us to find solutions with the ministry.
• Replying to a question concerning the high judicial fees, M Al Anouar has recognized the fact asserting that they have raised the issue during the meeting with the minister with the view to reducing the costs, noting that the lawyers were not responsible for the judicial supplemental costs.
• However, he vehemently denied the allegations that the lawyers receive verbal and sometimes written instructions from the executive branch, noting that the judicial system has improved a lot in comparison with the past.
• As to the allegations over the presence of torture centers in Algeria, m Al Anouar has indicated that Algeria of 2012 is different from Algeria of the black decade where chaos was the rule. Individual liberties are guaranteed, he added.