In a landmark ruling that has sent shivers across the African continent and intensified the fight against graft, Algeria’s former industry minister Ali Aoun was sentenced to five years in prison for corruption on Monday.
Aoun, who was the minister for industry and pharmaceutical production between 2022 and 2024, was jailed in a high-profile corruption case that saw several senior figures convicted.
According to the reports, prosecutors had sought a 12-year sentence for the former minister, and 10 year sentences for several other defendants.
Aoun was also ordered by the Economic and Financial Criminal Court in the capital, Algiers, to pay a fine of 1 million Algerian dinar (approximately $7,500).
Algerian media said the case centred on the irregular sales of ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste in violation of public asset management rules.
“The case centred on accusations of corruption, mismanagement and the unlawful awarding of industrial and investment contracts, notably involving the trade in ferrous waste and copper residues,” local media reported.
Several other officials were also convicted, while some were acquitted due to insufficient evidence, reports said court proceedings concluded Monday.
His son, Mehdi Aoun, received a six-year prison sentence as part of the same corruption case according to reports also.
Businessman Abdelnour Abdelmoula, identified as the main defendant, was sentenced to ten years in prison in related ruling case Monday.
The convictions also came as part of an ongoing anti-corruption drive launched by Algeria since President Abdelmadjid Tebboune came to power in 2019 amid widespread pro-democracy protests.
Tebboune's campaign against corruption has targeted senior officials, including from the era of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
