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Bloomberg
Former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s brother and two powerful former intelligence chiefs were sentenced on Wednesday to 15 years on charges of conspiring against the military, in an expedited trial authorities hoped would reflect a commitment to purging the old guard.
The sentences against Said Bouteflika, retired Ltt Gen Mohamed Mediene and Maj Gen Athmane Tartag came just two days after they went on trial in a closed session before a military court. Also sentenced to 15 years was Louisa Hanoune, the secretary-general of the Labor Party, Echorouk TV and state television reported.
The four had been arrested shortly after Bouteflika resigned from office following weeks of mass protests against him. The demonstrations have continued, as protesters demand the removal of the remnants of the regime in defiance of pressure by the powerful military chief-of-staff, Lt Gen Ahmed Gaid Salah, who insists that elections are the only way for the OPEC member to achieve stability and growth.