Algerian military court sentences Said Bouteflika, brother of former president Abdelaziz, and three co-defendants to 15 years in prison for 'undermining the authority of the army' and 'conspiring' against the state
Said Bouteflika, who is seen as the real power behind his brother Abdelaziz 's two-decade rule, was charged with"undermining the authority of the army" and"conspiring" to bring about regime change.
Said Bouteflika, widely seen as the real power behind the presidency after his brother suffered a debilitating stroke in 2013, went on trial on Monday alongside two former intelligence chiefs and a political party head. Prosecutors at the military court in Blida, south of Algiers, had asked for the maximum sentence of 20 years against all the defendants, defence lawyer Miloud Ibrahimi said.
Hanoune, Mediene, who headed the all-powerful secret service for 25 years, and fellow ex-spy chief General Athmane Tartag were all given 15 years alongside Said. Mediene, whose health has been deteriorating according to his family, arrived in court in a wheelchair and asked for an adjournment, according to defence lawyers. The judge consulted a doctor and turned down the request.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sierra Leone toughens penalties for sexual violenceIn Sierra Leone, the country's minimum sentence for rape was just increased to 15 years Previously, 15 years was the maximum sentence. Via Reuters
Read more »
Inside the Jonas Brothers’ Best Year YetSee how the PCAs nominated band were able to find love, success and happiness
Read more »
Bill Cosby facing $2.75 million legal bill in sexual assault battleBill Cosby who was sentenced to three to 10 years for drugging and molesting a woman in 2004 has served one year in prison.
Read more »
South Korea's KOGAS signs 15-year contract with BP to import U.S. LNGSouth Korea's state-run Korea Gas Corp (KOGAS) signed an agreement with BP ...
Read more »
Anthony Pacheco Wants to Make it Easier For Immigrant Communities to Participate in DemocracyAnthony Pacheco from Asian Americans Advancing Justice is one of MTV's Leaders for Change grant winners. For NationalVoterRegistrationDay, he talked to us about what his work entails, and what gives him hope
Read more »