Transparency International calls on Algerian President to guarantee rights of imprisoned mayor

Transparency International (TI) calls upon Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the country’s Ministry of Justice to intervene in the case of Mouhib Khatir, following his arrest on 6 July 2011. Khatir has been detained ever since. A date for a public hearing of his case has yet to be set, leaving his case in limbo.

TI, the global anti-corruption organisation, calls on Algerian authorities to intervene and ensure a fair and transparent investigation and handling of the case, unhindered by bureaucratic obstacles or unnecessary delays.

Mouhib Khatir, mayor of Zeralda (a suburb of the capital Algiers) and an out-spoken critic of corruption, was reportedly arrested by officers who refused to identify themselves and allegedly used excessive force. He was arrested on charges of embezzlement, abuse of power and insulting public authorities, most of which have reportedly been dropped. There appear to have been a number of irregularities in the case.

TI also calls on Algerian President Bouteflika to install a commission to thoroughly investigate commercial real estate developments that Khatir has tried to draw attention to, to determine whether there has been corruption, and whether Khatir has been the victim of malicious prosecution for being a whistleblower.

Transparency International is the civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption.