The French judiciary has officially refused to extradite former Algerian Industry Minister Abdeslam Bouchouareb, citing health concerns and human rights considerations.
The Court of Appeal in Aix-en-Provence ruled on Wednesday, March 19, against the extradition of Abdeslam Bouchouareb, the former Algerian Minister of Industry, who is wanted for multiple corruption cases. This decision marks the final refusal, with no remaining avenues for appeal. The ruling comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France and is expected to further strain bilateral relations.
Court Cites Human Rights and Health Risks
The French court based its decision on the "exceptionally serious consequences" that extradition could have on Bouchouareb, who is 72 years old and reportedly in poor health. The ruling cited Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Article 5 of the 2019 Franco-Algerian extradition agreement as legal grounds for rejection.
Abdeslam Bouchouareb, who served as Algeria's Minister of Industry from 2014 to 2019, has been convicted in five separate corruption cases, each resulting in a 20-year prison sentence. He is also facing charges in a sixth case. Algeria had submitted six extradition requests to France, all of which have now been denied.
Political and Diplomatic Fallout
The rejection was widely expected, especially following a March 5 hearing in which the French prosecutor had advised against extradition. "The removal of Mr. Bouchouareb, who is seriously ill, would pose, if not a life-threatening risk, at least the risk of a rapid and irreversible deterioration of his health," stated Prosecutor Raphaël Sanesi de Gentile.
During the hearing, Bouchouareb defended himself, stating, "I am not a thief but a great anti-Islamist industrialist," while his lawyer argued that Algerian prisons suffer from severe overcrowding.
Algeria’s Reaction and President Tebboune’s Criticism
Algeria's legal representatives have strongly condemned the decision. "Mr. Bouchouareb stole money from Algerians, he was convicted, and he must answer for his actions," stated Anne-Sophie Partaix, the lawyer representing Algeria in the case.
The refusal to extradite Bouchouareb adds to the ongoing tensions between Algiers and Paris, particularly regarding border deportations and extradition requests. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has previously criticized France's stance, stating in February, "We would also like France to comply with our extradition requests, as Spain, Italy, and Germany do. However, curiously, we notice that Paris grants nationality or asylum rights to individuals who have committed economic crimes or engage in subversive activities on French soil."
This case is likely to remain a key issue in the strained diplomatic relationship between Algeria and France.
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