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Former Minister Ali Aoun and others face charges in IMETAL corruption case
via Algérie3602 min read
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
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Zainab Ghebbache, a student with dual Algerian and Italian nationality, achieved a perfect score of 100/100 with "e Lode" with honors on the Italian Baccalaureate, known as the Esame di Maturità, in Belluno, Veneto. She was one of only six students at Renier High School to reach this academic distinction this year. Despite her literary background and passion for poetry, Ghebbache plans to pursue aerospace engineering at the University of Padua, aiming to establish herself as a woman in a scientific field. She also intends to earn a university degree in literature within the next two decades to continue her writing. Her achievement has been celebrated by the Algerian community in Italy, with the Federation of Algerian Students and Executives in Italy, through its founding president Houari Chelakh, congratulating her and her family. The federation expressed hope that Ghebbache will serve as a role model for future generations and a "worthy ambassador of Algeria" abroad.
The Global Peace Index GPI 2026, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, reveals that global peace has declined for the 12th consecutive year. The report, based on 23 indicators including crime levels, internal conflicts, political stability, and militarization, shows a record number of active wars since 1945. Iceland maintains its position as the safest country for the 19th year, followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Ireland. Countries like Sudan, DR Congo, and Ukraine are at the bottom of the ranking, with Myanmar being the most critical in the Asia-Pacific region and Russia at the global bottom. Algeria is ranked 91st globally with a score of 2053 points, a slight drop of five positions from the previous edition. In the MENA region, Algeria is 8th, following Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman, and close behind Morocco, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Tunisia. Notably, Algeria surpasses France in the ranking, with France at a concerning 99th place among 163 nations.
Must ReadEngineering studies for Algeria's 1,400 km South-South water transfer project, designed to link Timimoun to Tindouf and supply the Gara Djebilet mining complex, are entering their final phase. This project is crucial for water security and industrialization in Algeria's Southwest. The engineering firm announced that the final phase, which includes topographic surveys, geotechnical soil investigations, and detailed study development, is 70% complete. Farid Djilali, director of the engineering firm, stated that the first two phases, involving data collection, solution identification, and technical option definition, are finished, and the project is on schedule. The studies are expected to conclude by the end of August, paving the way for administrative and technical procedures before construction begins. The main pipeline will span 1,300 to 1,400 kilometers, making it one of the country's longest water transfer conduits, complemented by a 600 km secondary network. The route originates from Ihraran in Ougrout Timimoun wilaya, crosses Béni Abbès and Béchar wilayas, and reaches Tindouf and the Gara Djebilet region. Three pumping stations will be built in Béni Abbès to maintain hydraulic pressure. This water transfer is vital for the Gara Djebilet iron ore deposit, which holds over 3.5 billion tons of iron ore. The project, set to launch in 2025, aims to reinforce drinking water supply for local populations, support agricultural development, and meet the substantial water needs of