Tyeb Louh: “We Will Not Extradite Any Algerian To Foreign Countries”

Algeria will not extradite any Algerian who is on its soil and holds Algerian nationality to be tried in France or other countries on terrorism, drug or other serious crimes, Justice Minister, Tayeb Louh, said on Wednesday during a press conference that was held following the ratification of two laws of the National People’s Assembly.

“Algeria would not extradite any of its nationals wanted in terrorism or drug cases to be tried abroad. This was a legal principle that Algeria would not concede”.

“Algerian law is clear and prohibits the extradition of any Algerian citizen wanted for trial abroad. Agreements are prepared with several countries including France, especially on extradition of criminals”.

In this regard, the minister said that France can no longer use judicial secrecy in financial matters after ratifying the criminal cooperation agreement between the two countries.

“What is in effect is the receipt of the file and the trial of the Algerian citizens in accordance with the law in Algeria, but it is strictly prohibited to extradite any Algerian who has committed a crime abroad and is judicially prosecuted abroad. The agreement in the legal and judicial field determines this procedure. Every country worldwide acts in accordance with the law and conventions that are governing relationships between States”.

On the agreement on the criminal cooperation between Algeria and France, the minister said that the agreement was reached within the framework of judicial cooperation between Algeria and France to update a comprehensive agreement dating back to 1963.

He pointed to the existence of projects of three agreements that are studied with many countries including France in the judicial cooperation in the Algerian sphere and draft agreements in the civil, commercial and extradition of criminals.

“Judicial cooperation between the two countries is very good so far. When the judicial authority asks the French party to provide any information, there is a response that does not contradict with the general principles that are recognized by the Constitution and the laws”.

“The procedures in the Convention are related to the exchange of information between the two judicial authorities when an issue is open by the Algerian or French justice and requires cooperation between the judicial authorities. The proceedings were carried out and often within the framework of judicial proceedings, and every country has its own legislation”.

“These agreements facilitate the judicial and legal cooperation. The lifting of the bank’s secret can not be invoked by the party that passed the agreement. French party is obliged to give information under the Convention, and to hear persons as witnesses in France”.