Former Minister Ali Aoun and others face charges in IMETAL corruption case

The trial of former Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, Ali Aoun, commenced on April 6 at the Sidi M'hamed economic and financial penal division. Mr. Aoun is on trial alongside his son, "M. Aoun," businessman Abdenour, known as "Nouno Manita," the general manager of "Fondal," "S. Noureddine," and "B. Karim," CEO of the "Sider El-Hadjar" steel complex, among other defendants. The case, known as the "Imital corruption" affair, involves charges including granting contracts in violation of legislation, receiving undue advantages, embezzlement of public funds, abuse of influence and position, money laundering, corruption, and participation in multiple offenses. On April 8, the prosecutor requested a 12-year prison sentence for former Minister Ali Aoun and businessman Abdelnour "Nono Manita." For other defendants, including the former minister's son, Mehdi Aoun, the general manager of "Fondal," "S. Noureddine," and "B. Karim," CEO of "Sider El-Hadjar," the prosecutor sought 10-year prison sentences and a one million dinar fine. A 6-year prison sentence and a one million dinar fine were requested for the former president of the Algerian Football Federation, Charaf-Eddine Amara. Other businessmen face a request for 5 years in prison and a one million dinar fine, while implicated companies face a 32 million dinar fine. The Judicial Agent of the Treasury is seeking 5 million dinars in compensation for each individual and 10 million dinars for each legal entity for damag