Ex-Algeria PM Sentenced to 12 Years for Corruption

Former Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia surrounded by guards after being allowed to attend his brother's funeral on Monday (AFP)
Former Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia surrounded by guards after being allowed to attend his brother's funeral on Monday (AFP)
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Ex-Algeria PM Sentenced to 12 Years for Corruption

Former Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia surrounded by guards after being allowed to attend his brother's funeral on Monday (AFP)
Former Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia surrounded by guards after being allowed to attend his brother's funeral on Monday (AFP)

Former Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia faces a new severe prison sentence, the second in a matter of months, after being convicted in a corruption case linked to a business tycoon.

An Algerian court issued a verdict on Wednesday on the car assembly plant case involving Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal, former ministers and businessmen.

Last year, a court jailed Ouyahia, who served four times as prime minister under former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, for 15 years and Sellal, who served twice as prime minister, to 12 years in another corruption case.

The cases are linked to the car assembly industry in the north African country and illegal financing of Bouteflika’s election campaign.

The court issued a 12-year prison sentence against Ouyahia, and a 3-year sentence and a fine against former industry minister Youcef Yousfi, announcing his innocence of the charge of bribery.

The court also issued a 20-year sentence, a fine, and an arrest warrant against former industry minister Abdeslam Bouchouareb.

Mourad Eulmi, the head of the Algerian family-owned firm SOVAC which runs an assembly plant with Germany’s Volkswagen AG, was convicted and given a 10-year imprisonment.

The court case included “money laundering”, “smuggling public money abroad”, “evading the payment of taxes,” “granting loans from government banks out of interest to a businessman”, and “adapting the government job to a private interest.”

When questioned by the judge, Ouyahia defended himself by saying that all policies in the field of industrial investment, especially the activity of installing cars, were developed by former President Bouteflika, and that he was only the executor of those policies.

He added that he used to report daily to Bouteflilka about government works.



Iraq Braces for Economic Fallout from Heavy Reliance on Iran amid Escalating Conflict

An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
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Iraq Braces for Economic Fallout from Heavy Reliance on Iran amid Escalating Conflict

An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 

As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, Iraq is nervously eyeing the potential fallout from a conflict that could have deep and lasting consequences for the country.

While Iraqi authorities and political parties maintain a publicly cautious and reserved stance, behind closed doors, concerns are mounting over what many see as Iraq’s overreliance on Iran in critical sectors such as energy and trade.

A political source speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat revealed that, although officials are holding back from public commentary, there is a growing consensus among political actors that Iraq could face significant disruption regardless of how the conflict unfolds. “There’s an unspoken recognition that many things will change after this war,” the source said.

Already, early signs of strain are surfacing. Iraq’s Ministry of Trade unveiled a new contingency plan this week to safeguard food security amid fears of disrupted supply chains.

Spokesperson Mohammed Hanoun stated the plan aims to “ensure continuity of essential supplies without significant price hikes,” through the buildup of strategic reserves and strengthened market oversight to prevent hoarding or price manipulation.

Security services, meanwhile, reported the arrest of 660 individuals accused of exploiting regional instability. More visibly, daily life is beginning to feel the pressure: consumer activity is slowing, prices of some goods are creeping up, and travel logistics have grown more complex.

With Baghdad International Airport temporarily closed, Basra has become the only functional air entry point. According to sources, the cost of returning to Iraq by land via Jordan has soared from $70 to $250 per passenger.

Experts warn that Iraq’s economic fragility and its deep entanglement with Iran leave it acutely vulnerable. Dr. Siham Youssef, a professor of international economics, explained that Iraq’s heavy dependence on oil exports - comprising over 90% of state revenue - offers little cushion in times of geopolitical upheaval.

While global oil prices have risen by 8% to 12%, Youssef cautioned that any benefit could be wiped out by rising transportation costs, insurance premiums, or damage to infrastructure.

Compounding the issue is Iraq’s reliance on Iranian gas for electricity production. If the conflict interrupts Iranian gas flows, Iraq may face severe power shortages, rising costs, and mounting pressure on an already stretched budget.

Shipping risks are also increasing, with Iraq’s ports located dangerously close to potential conflict zones. Youssef noted that international shipping and insurance firms may soon classify Iraqi ports as “high-risk,” leading to surging logistics costs. Additionally, the closure of Iraqi airspace threatens not only civil aviation but also the loss of overflight revenues.