President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has signed a presidential decree granting a full pardon to Mohamed El Amine Belghith, who was imprisoned and definitively sentenced. The pardon effectively releases Belghith from the remainder of his sentence.
A statement released by the Presidency of the Republic detailed that the decision was made in accordance with constitutional provisions, specifically Articles 91 (7 and 8) and 182. Furthermore, the decision was based on the advisory opinion of the Supreme Judicial Council, as stipulated by Article 182 of the Constitution.
The specific details of Belghith’s original conviction and sentence were not immediately available. However, the presidential pardon represents a significant intervention in the judicial process, highlighting the President’s constitutional authority to grant clemency.
The constitutional articles cited in the statement relate to the President’s powers regarding pardons and the role of the Supreme Judicial Council in providing consultative opinions on matters of justice. Article 91 outlines the President’s responsibilities, including the power to grant pardons, while Article 182 defines the composition, functions, and responsibilities of the Supreme Judicial Council.
The granting of this pardon is likely to spark debate and discussion regarding the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches of government. While the President is constitutionally empowered to issue pardons, the decision-making process and the rationale behind such decisions are often subject to public scrutiny.
This move by President Tebboune underscores the ongoing dynamics within the Algerian political landscape and the complexities of navigating constitutional provisions in the realm of justice and governance. Further analysis and commentary are expected as more details emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding this pardon.
