Algeria Strengthens Legal Protections for Public Managers in New Criminal Code

Algeria has reinforced legal safeguards for public managers under the newly published Code of Criminal Procedure, limiting prosecutions to company-filed complaints.

Algeria has taken another step toward decriminalizing management activities and protecting public administrators. The new Code of Criminal Procedure, published in the Official Journal, introduces measures designed to shield managers from undue legal pressure and abusive prosecution.

For years, ambiguity in regulations blurred the line between criminal acts and management errors, discouraging initiative. Many administrators chose inaction out of fear of legal consequences, hindering development and governance.

Since his election in 2019, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has expanded protections for public officials, banning prosecutions based on anonymous reports and ensuring no manager faces charges without evidence of personal gain.

Law 25-14: Defining Authorized Parties for Prosecution

Law 25-14 of August 3, 2025, further clarifies protections by specifying who can initiate proceedings against managers of state-owned or mixed-capital companies.

Article 8 states that prosecution cannot be launched without a prior complaint from the company’s corporate bodies, even in cases of theft or misappropriation. This provision ensures accountability remains internal unless formally escalated.

Obligation to Report Criminal Acts

To prevent impunity, the law also imposes strict obligations on governing bodies to report any criminal acts. Failure to report exposes board members to penalties under the Criminal Code, anti-corruption legislation, and related laws.

A Step Toward Balanced Governance

These changes mark a significant move toward balancing accountability with protection, encouraging responsible decision-making without the fear of unjust prosecution.