Businesswoman , former minister and head of a veterinary products laboratory i also received a fine (about €6,700).

The three defendants had all hoped to win the presidency in September 2024.

But the Algerian constitutional court had dismissed their candidacies even before the election, accusing them of buying sponsorship from elected officials.

In August 2024, the prosecution said that 50 elected representatives had admitted to receiving money to sponsor the three candidates’ run for office.

Incumbent president had unsurprisingly won the ballot.

In total, about 70 defendants were convicted in this case, after the investigation revealed a larger corruption scheme.

Three sons of Saïda Neghza, were sentenced to in jail for and money laundering.

Saïda Neghza, Belkacem Sahli and Abdelhakim Hamadi left the court free and have 10 days to appeal the decision. 

Additional sources • RFI, Le Matin d'Algérie