Algeria Cites Lack of French Cooperation Following Bouchouareb Extradition Refusal

The Algerian government has taken note of the French judiciary’s decision to deny the extradition request for Abdeslam Bouchouareb, who has been convicted in Algeria on multiple counts of corruption, embezzlement, and influence peddling, resulting in significant financial losses for the Algerian treasury. This statement was issued in a communiqué from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs.

“While considering possible recourse through other legal channels, the Algerian government takes this opportunity to highlight the complete lack of cooperation from the French government regarding judicial assistance, despite the existence of numerous international and bilateral legal instruments intended for this purpose,” the communiqué stated.

The same source emphasized that “in its efforts to recover the wealth it has been deprived of, Algeria has consistently faced, and continues to face, unjustifiable and inexplicable delays from the French side, which have resulted in a total lack of responses to twenty-five letters rogatory submitted by Algeria.”

“This French stance stands in stark contrast to that of other European partners, who engage sincerely, loyally, and without ulterior motives with the Algerian authorities concerning the sensitive issue of illicitly acquired assets,” the communiqué concluded.