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Algeria: 2 Ex-Ministers Face Groundbreaking Corruption Trial

Associated Press

   ALGIERS, ALGERIA - Two former Algerian prime ministers went on trial
   Wednesday on corruption charges, in the most high-profile act of
   transparency and accountability since a pro-democracy movement pushed
   out the long-serving president.

   The exceptional trial, which is being televised and also involves
   several other former Algerian power players, comes at a time of renewed
   political tensions in the oil- and gas-rich country, a week ahead of a
   controversial election to replace President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

   Ahmed Ouyahia, who was forced out as prime minister in March as
   protests against Bouteflika escalated, and his predecessor Abdelmalek
   Sellal testified Wednesday at the Sidi M'Hamed court in Algiers.

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