Severe Sentences Requested in ANEP Corruption Trial: Two Former Ministers Implicated

The Sidi M’hamed Court has issued a strong indictment in the ANEP corruption case, implicating former communication ministers Djamal Kaouane and Hamid Grine, alongside several executives accused of embezzling public funds.

Thirteen individuals are on trial for corruption and mismanagement within the National Publishing and Advertising Agency (ANEP). Among them are former communication ministers Djamal Kaouane and Hamid Grine, and former ANEP CEO Amine Chekir. Investigators uncovered extensive abuses of office and the granting of illicit advantages, including the distribution of state advertising contracts to small or fictitious newspapers over several years.

On Tuesday night, the public prosecutor at the Sidi M’hamed economic and financial court called for the harshest penalties. He demanded 10 years in prison and a fine of one million dinars for both Djamal Kaouane and Amine Chekir.

For Hamid Grine, the prosecutor requested a six-year prison sentence and a fine of one million dinars, while ANEP subsidiary director Mr. Chérif faces eight years in prison and the same fine. B. Ammar, head of the express delivery branch, was also targeted by the prosecution’s requests.

For the remaining defendants, sentences ranging from five to seven years in prison, each accompanied by a one-million-dinar fine, were proposed.

The ANEP corruption trial underscores Algeria’s ongoing efforts to combat embezzlement and restore transparency in state institutions. The final verdict is expected to set a strong precedent in the country’s anti-corruption drive.