Jurists: Sontarach bribery scandal will involve Algerian political personalities

Investigation into Sonatrach’s corruption case will reveal political personalities’ involvement. Algeria’s former energy minister Chakib Khelil will be summoned to appear in court if evidences are available, according to jurists.

“The Algerian criminal Code allows judicial authorities to prosecute any Algerian or foreigner living abroad involved in economic corruption-related cases which hit the national economy,” President of the Algerian National Commission of Lawyers’ International Union Chaib Sadek told Echorouk.

“A security section specialized in economic crimes has been assigned to investigate in suspicious deals concluded by Sonatrach and Italy’s Saipem. Italian judicial authorities investigate with the company’s officials. Algerian names were mentioned,” he added.

He says bilateral conventions between Algeria and the European Union (EU) allows investigations expansion and judicial cooperation. “That will happen in Sonatrach’s case. Algeria’s examining judge will be allowed to read the investigation file and new developments in Italy.”

According to the lawyer, prosecuted people-related legal principles should be respected. The same person can not be prosecuted for the same acts in two different trials in Italy and Algeria.  “A man is innocent until proven guilty.”

Lawyer Khaled Berghel said the investigation led by the Algerian authorities shows a clear will to unveil corruption cases. Although Khelil’s name was mentioned in judicial investigations in Sonatrach’s first corruption case, there is no concrete evidence against him neither against any political personality who may be involved because they are not the direct signatories.

He added that security investigations are still preliminary and no suspect has been summoned by the Algerian justice so far. Investigation may take a long time between the Italian and Algerian justice. It is likely that the same accused people in Sonatrach’s first case would be summoned to testify about suspicious deals and contracts concluded with the Italian company when they held senior positions.