Algeria
Relizane militias [CASE DISMISSED]
Type of liability
Personne physique
Alleged perpetrator(s)
Hocine M.; Abdelkader M.
Nationality of alleged perpetrator(s)
Algerian
Legal classification of crime(s)
Torture and acts of barbarity
Source of the complaint
NGO
Victim
Ongoing proceedings
non
Regime
2 - 689-1 CPP
Summary of facts
The M. brothers are said to have held important positions within the militias of the city of Relizane during the Algerian civil war.
These militias are alleged to have been responsible for extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances between 1994 and 1998.
In 1999, the two brothers settled in southern France.
Amnesty International France recalls that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.
Legal proceedings
December 11, 2003: The Nîmes High Court opens a judicial investigation for “torture and acts of barbarity.”<br />
March 29, 2004: Arrest of the M. brothers, hearings and confrontations.<br />
In April 2004: FIDH, LDH and Algerian victims join as civil parties.<br />
December 26, 2014: The investigating judge issues an indictment order committing the case to the Nîmes Assize Court.<br />
December 28, 2014: The defense appeals.<br />
January 19, 2016: The Investigating Chamber issues a dismissal for lack of sufficient charges.<br />
March 29, 2017: The Court of Cassation upholds the dismissal for lack of sufficient charges.<br />
The case is closed.</p>
Legal issues
Complaint
Names of NGOs / Victim(s)
FIDH
Legal basis for jurisdiction (article)
Court of Assizes judgment
Court of Appeal ruling
Court of Cassation ruling
Sources
FIDH, « [Infographie] Comprendre l'affaire Relizane », 2015
FIDH, « La Cour de cassation confirme le non-lieu, laissant les victimes sans recours », 2017