An Algerian court has found Mourad Melah, CEO of the Bellat Group, guilty of defamation in a case involving the Brahmia family, according to a public statement released on May 13. The ruling by the Bir Mourad Raïs court also confirmed there was no link between the family and the company, addressing the core allegations.
In its statement, the Brahmia family said the court established that neither Amar Brahmia nor Jihane Brahmia had any relationship with the Bellat company. It further ruled that there had been no attempt at blackmail, solicitation, or exploitation involving the company or its associates. This finding directly contradicts claims previously made by Mourad Melah, who had publicly questioned the family’s motives.
The case has drawn significant public attention in Algeria over recent months, particularly on social media, where it sparked debate around freedom of expression and corporate reputation. The dispute dates back to July 2025, when Jihane Brahmia—an influencer and dietitian known online as “Vitamin J.”—shared a video warning about potential health risks linked to smoked chicken pâté. Although no brand was explicitly mentioned, the content triggered a strong reaction.
Melah responded with a video of his own, alleging that Brahmia’s statements were driven by personal motives tied to a rejected sponsorship request for a sporting event associated with her grandfather, Amar Brahmia, a former athlete. These accusations intensified the controversy, dividing public opinion between those defending consumer awareness and those advocating for business protection against reputational harm.
Despite the court’s ruling, the legal dispute is ongoing. According to the family’s statement, additional legal actions have been filed by Jihane Brahmia against Mourad Melah and are currently under review. The outcome of these proceedings could further shape the legal and public dimensions of the case in the weeks ahead, reinforcing its significance within Algeria’s evolving media and legal landscape.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.