Figures linked to Algerian president banned from travel

By Abdul Razak bin Abdullah

ALGIERS (AA) – The Algerian public prosecutor's office on Monday banned several businessmen close to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika from travelling abroad after accusing them of currency smuggling.

In a statement, the public prosecutor's office said the targeted individuals -- including several business tycoons linked to the president -- were being investigated for allegedly smuggling foreign currency out of the country.

Those banned from travel include Ali Haddad, one of Algeria’s richest businessmen, who was stopped Sunday morning while attempting to cross the Tunisian border, according to local media reports.

On Sunday, Algeria’s Civil Aviation Authority also reportedly issued an order preventing the departure of all private aircraft from the country’s airports.

Notably, the measures coincide with the unveiling of a new caretaker government -- a move many observers believe is meant to pave the way for Bouteflika's resignation following weeks of anti-government demonstrations.

In February, Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front nominated the 82-year-old Bouteflika, who has ruled Algeria since 1999, to run for a fifth presidential term.

But on March 11, following weeks of protests against his planned bid for a fifth term, Bouteflika abruptly postponed elections -- originally slated for April 18 -- and formally withdrew his candidacy.

Since then, however, Algerians across the country -- including capital Algiers -- have continued to demonstrate against Bouteflika, who they accuse of unconstitutionally extending his fourth term in office.