5 Algerian major-generals face corruption charges, jailed

ALGIERS, Algeria – An Algerian television station close to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s family reports that five senior Algerian army officers have been jailed after appearing before a magistrate on corruption charges.

Ennahar TV says the major-generals — three former military region heads, a former gendarme head and the Defence Ministry’s financial services chief — faced charges Sunday of “illicit enrichment” and “use of a senior officer’s function for personal purposes.”

A security services official confirmed the information to The Associated Press. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter.

The officers are part of a wave of military officials who have been fired by the ailing 81-year-old president without explanation since summer.

Bouteflika is deciding whether to seek a fifth term next year.