Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Top Algerian Figures Go on Military Trial for Alleged Plot

Associated Press

   ALGIERS, ALGERIA - An Algerian military tribunal on Monday opened the
   unprecedented trial of a brother of the country's longtime former
   president and two ex-intelligence chiefs, accusing them of plotting
   against the state.

   Heavy security, with roadblocks leading to the courthouse in Blida,
   south of Algiers, marked the start of the closed-door trial, along with
   commotion inside the tribunal.

   Said Bouteflika, brother and special counselor of former head of state
   Abdelaziz Bouteflika, refused to answer the judge's questions and
   walked out, one of the lawyers present, Farouk Ksentini, said later,
   according to the TSA online news outlet, which posted a video of the
   lawyer's remarks.

   Another defendant, Gen. Athmane Tartag, an intelligence chief who
   worked directly under the president, refused to leave his cell, said
   Ksentini, a member of a group of lawyers for the defense.

.