By Hassan Jebril
ALGIERS (AA) – The former head of Algerian police, retired Maj. Gen. Abdelghani Hamel, and his son appeared before court on Monday on trial on corruption charges, according to the state television.
The pair are accused of “illegal activities including misuse of power “, the television said.
The former official led the Algerian police from 2010 to 2018 and has been one of the close security figures to former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Last week, Algerian authorities detained a number of businessmen close to Bouteflika for interrogation over corruption charges.
Early this month, the 82-year-old Bouteflika announced his resignation following several weeks of popular protests against his continued rule.
Abdelkader Bensalah, a former speaker of parliament, is currently serving as interim president for a 90-day transitional period — overseen by the army — during which presidential elections will be held.
Demonstrators, however, have continued to call for the removal of all government officials associated with the Bouteflika regime, including Bensalah.
They are also demanding accountability for Said Bouteflika, the former president’s influential brother who had also served as his adviser.
- Writing by Mahmoud Barakat
