Chakib Khalil absent in Milan court

The name of Algeria’s former energy minister Chakib Khalil was not mentioned on the first day of the Sonatrach-Saipem scandal trial in a court in Milan in Italy.

The six suspects from Algeria and Italy were absent while their lawyers were there to defend them. More than three accused people were represented by more than a lawyer.

Alliance between the lawyers against Sonatrach was clear as they asked judges to exclude it.

Italian journalists asked Echorouk’s journalist about reasons behind the absence of Khalil’s name in the trial.

Earlier, former operational activities director at Saipem said former Eni CEO Paolo Scaroni said he met Khalil at least once to facilitate gaining contracts and deals.