Judges and prosecutors do not enjoy security of tenure and can be transferred without their consent by a decision of the Minister of Justice.
The independence of the judiciary is severely undermined by the constant interference of executive branch officials with the work of the judges.
During 1999, the power of the courts to investigate and punish serious human rights violations was further restricted by President Bouteflika’s decision to grant a broad amnesty to Islamist militants and the lack of political will to investigate members of the security forces allegedly involved in serious human rights abuses.
Attacks on Justice 2000 – Algeria (full text, PDF)