Algeria’s interim president sacked Justice Minister Slimane Brahmi and replaced him with Attorney-General Belkacem Zeghmati, announced the presidency.
The statement published by Algeria Press Service (APS) indicated that President Abdelkader Bensalah appointed Zeghmati to replace Brahmi as Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals “after consultation with the prime minister.”
The constitution stipulates that the government cannot be reshuffled during the interim president's term, and any change has to be postponed until the new President begins to exercise his duties.
Brahmi was appointed by former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika on March 11, before his resignation on April 2, to be succeeded by Bensalah for 90 days, which ended on the ninth of July.
The constitutional council, Algeria’s highest judicial body, extended Bensalah’s period until the appointment of a new president after the July 4 polls were canceled due to the insufficient number of candidates.
Zeghmati is known for being the “enemy” of the former Minister of Energy and Mines, Chakib Khelil, described as the “close friend of Bouteflika.”
Bouteflika removed Zeghmati when he was the Attorney General of the Algerian District Council, for issuing an international memorandum in 2013 to arrest Khalil, against the background of investigation in the case of one of the largest oil companies in Africa, “Sonatrach 2”.
The dismissal of the justice minister comes after military chief Ahmed Gaid Salah refused to release the detainees arrested for carrying Amazigh flag during protests. The interim president promised to discuss this matter as a measure that could initiate dialogue to end the country’s political crisis.
Salah said that these people violated the symbols and institutions of the state and insulted the national flag, adding that no one has the right to interfere in the government's powers and try to influence its decisions.
Since Bouteflika's departure, the judiciary has tried many former prime ministers, ministers, and senior businessmen in corruption cases.
Former Minister of Justice Tayeb Louh is expected to appear before the court after investigation is concluded. The prosecution issued a travel ban order preventing him from leaving Algeria.
