Justice: No conflict between Algeria and France on Tibhirine Monks, Minister Taib Louh says
There are no conflicts between Algerian and French authorities on the investigation in the case of Tibhirine Monks’ assassination in 1996, Justice Minister Taib Louh said in the wake of the decision of French judge in charge of investigating in this case, Marc Trevidic to cancel his visit to Algeria.
“No conflicts between Algeria and France in the Tibhirine Monks case. This case is currently under investigation by Algerian justice, as the investigating judge of Algiers Judicial Council is in charge of the file, along with French justice”.
Previously, French judge Marc Trevidic, who is investigating in the case, was expected to visit Algeria last Saturday, May 31, but his decision to cancel it raised a set of questions at a time non official sources talked about the refusal of Algerian authorities to receive him.
Justice Minister said in statement, on the sidelines of the session of discussing the work plan of government by the People’s National Council on Sunday, that the secrecy of investigation should be respected.
“Judicial authorities in Algeria and France are dealing normally with this case like any other cases, since there is a judicial partnership agreement that links Paris with Algiers”.
“There is a rogatory by the French justice about mandating a judge to investigate the circumstances of the Seven Monks assassination. Other mandatories were issued by the Algerian justice concerning the same case. Algerian and French judges cooperate normally to reach the truth.”
“Tibhirine Monks’ case will be dealt in transparency that is guaranteed by law. All the cases are raised by law according to the Algerian criminal measures, which end with a public trial in order to avoid any potential interpretations.