The News

Algerian ex-prime minister summoned in corruption probe

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algerian ex-Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia has gone before a prosecutor as part of a wide-ranging corruption investigation that has targeted figures in the entourage of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, forced to resign after two decades in office.

Ouyahia was being questioned on Tuesday on counts of “dilapidation of public funds” and “granting illegal benefits” for possible charges.

The current finance minister and former Bank of Algeria Governor Mohamed Loukal was questioned on the same counts Monday.

The two were among a raft of personalities on the radar of judicial officials vigorously moving ahead with probes of alleged corruption under Bouteflika. Protesters demonstrate nationwide each Friday to denounce corruption and force all linked to the Bouteflika era to leave office.