Algeria: Bouteflika's brother, intel chiefs in custody

ALGIERS

The brother of ousted Algerian President Abdulaziz Bouteflika along with former two intelligence chiefs were taken in custody on Sunday, local media reported.

The investigating judge at the military court of the northern Blida province ordered former intelligence Chiefs Athmane Tartag and Mohamed Mediene as well as Said Bouteflika taken in custody, state-run news agency APS reported.

The three figures are accused of “infringement of army authority” and conspiracy against the state, APS quoted the court as saying.

Bouteflika, 82, resigned early last month after weeks of popular protests against his 20-year rule.

Parliament Speaker Abdelkader Bensalah is now serving as interim president for a 90-day transitional period -- overseen by the army -- during which presidential elections will be conducted.

Demonstrators, however, have continued to demand the departure of all Bouteflika-era officials, including Bensalah.

They also demand the prosecution of Said Bouteflika, who has been described by detractors as the “gang leader.”