Khalifa scandal : ministers and officials not notified to appear in court

Ministers and officials involved in the Khalifa 2 scandal did not receive notifications to appear in court, a week before the trial due to take place on April 2nd, Echorouk has learnt.

The officials and ministers may not appear in court although the Supreme Court considered them as witnesses and some defence lawyers asked for their prosecution as they were accused.

The main suspect Abdelmoumene Khalifa who is jailed in the UK will not appear in court. No details were given about his extradition procedures upon a request from Algerian authorities.

According to the same sources, the court resumes the case following pleas about acquitmment and some judgemnts. In April’s trial, lawyers may ask for the presence of Abdelmoumene Khalifa or postponing the case.

 Lawyers are afraid that justice would seize the opportunity to « show its muscles » against «victims » as part of the fight against corruption.

Sentenced suspects are expected to be summoned to appear in court to testify about the case.