Lawyers: France will not reveal Khalifa secrets

The trial of Algerian businessman Abdelmoumene Rafik Khalifa in absentia in a court in France will take place in the same way as it was in a court in Algeria. The mystery of his empire bankruptcy will not be revealed as his home nation did not extradite him, according to Algerian lawyers.

Ibrahim Bahlouli, an accredited lawyer at the Supreme Court said Khalifa’s extradition over bankruptcy is not possible before he appears in court in Algeria.

“Algeria rejected France’s request to extradite him along with ten other suspects in conformity with laws in force. The suspects include his former wife Nadia Amirouche and former representatives of his company in France and an operator in aviation equipment,” he told Echorouk.

“Algeria has the priority as it is the first which filed the lawsuit against Khalifa. Investigation started in Algeria. He can not be extradited to France until he is sentenced in Algeria as he appealed the sentence in absentia against him,” he added.

He also said if Algeria extradites Khalifa so that he will appear in court in France, complicated procedures will be needed. Algeria may also be criticized for protecting him.

“The decision not to extradite Khalifa is legally and logically right.”

He believes that the trial in absentia in France will not take off the case mystery as he is the only one who can reveal the truth and defend himself.

Khaled Borghol, an accredited lawyer at the Supreme Court said Algeria did not extradite Khalifa for a judicial consideration.

“Khalifa is sentenced was absentia in Algeria. In accordance to Algerian legal procedures, he appealed and he is waiting to appear in a criminal court. Because of that, he can not be extradited as long as he does not get a final sentence,” said the lawyer.

“If he is sentenced in absentia in France, this will have no impact on his trial in Algeria. The country did not accept to extradite its citizen because it does not have any guarantees to bring him back and also to avoid possible complicated procedures,” he added.