Proceedings against deceased Algerian ex-minister discontinued
Published: Monday, Jul 22nd 2024, 12:10
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The Criminal Chamber of the Federal Criminal Court officially discontinued the proceedings against former Algerian Defense Minister Khaled Nezzar in mid-June. This is the result of a decision published on Monday. Nezzar died in December at the age of 86. The Office of the Attorney General accused him of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
According to the indictment, between 1992 and 1994 he is alleged to have knowingly and willfully approved, coordinated and promoted torture and "other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment", violations of physical and psychological integrity, arbitrary detentions and convictions as well as executions. His aim had been to "eradicate the Islamist opposition".
The alleged acts took place during the Algerian civil war between 1992 and 1999. In October 2011, the Geneva-based non-governmental organization Trial filed a criminal complaint against Nezzar, who was arrested and questioned in Switzerland the following day. He later left the country. After Trial, other individuals filed charges against Nezzar.
The main hearing was originally scheduled for June and July of this year. This was canceled due to Nezzar's death. Two private plaintiffs complained that the requirement to expedite the proceedings had been violated, which the criminal division rejected. (Decision SK.2023.34 of 19.6.2024)
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