Algeria Jails 2 Ex-PMs for Corruption 2 Days Before Election

An Algerian court has sentenced four-time former prime minister Ahmed Ouyahia to 15 years in prison on corruption charges that include “misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power and granting undue privileges.” Two-time premier Abdelmalek Sellal received a 12-year sentence, also on corruption charges. The court also handed down 10-year terms to two former industry ministers. Five prominent businessmen received sentences ranging from three to seven years. The cases come against the backdrop of mass protests demanding the removal and prosecution of the country’s former ruling elite, and an election in two days that protesters want canceled if allies of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika continue to hold positions of power in the country. In September, a military court sentenced Bouteflika’s younger brother, a former intelligence chief, to a long prison term.