Khalifa may make plea to European Court of Human Rights, say lawyers

Lawyers hailed the British decision to extradite Abdelmoumene Khalifa, an Algerian businessman jailed in London. Yet, they are doubtful about trial fairness due to the case complexity and senior officials’ involvement.

Lawyer Mokrane Ait Larbi told Echorouk the extradition decision is a very important step. He raises the question whether Khalifa would appear in court before or after the presidential elections.

Farouk Ksentini, chairman of Human Rights Consultative Commission said Khalifa will be trialled in a legal and fair way. He will have all the appeal rights as he got life sentence in 2007.

Ksentini believes that the decision shows that the British justice trusts the Algerian courts which “have now an international credibility.”

He stressed the necessity of holding the trial as soon as possible by respecting legal procedures.

Lawyer Miloud Brahimi said legal complementary procedures need to be conducted for Khalifa’s extradition to Algeria. “If that happens, the trial will last for months and he will remain innocent until accusations are proved.”

According to lawyer Bahlouli, the extradition is linked to a possible solution for Khalifa as he may make an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.