Monday 24 February 2025 
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS– In response to the shocking assault by firearm on an investigating judge within the Mostaganem tribunal, the Attorney General at the Tribunal of Mostaganem has issued a statement condemning the incident and assuring the public that all necessary measures will be taken to bring the perpetrator to justice. The incident occurred on July 30, 2023, during a hearing involving the defendant, D. Lakhdar, a former police officer facing charges of abuse of position and usurpation of identity.
According to the Attorney General’ statement, while the investigating judge, S. Kh., was conducting the hearing, the accused, D. Lakhdar, fired a pistol, striking the judge in the abdomen. Swift intervention by the Gendarmerie and the guard of the interrogation room led to the neutralization and disarmament of the assailant. During the course of the intervention, the respondent sustained a head injury due to his resistance.
Both the injured judge and the attacker were immediately transported to a hospital facility. The investigating judge underwent a successful surgery, and the assailant received first aid treatment.
In light of the gravity of the incident, the Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, personally visited the Mostaganem hospital on the same day to inquire about the condition of the examining magistrate. Furthermore, the Minister ordered the commencement of a preliminary investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attacker’s possession of a weapon and whether any lapses in standard procedures allowed him to enter the judge’s office armed.
The Attorney General assured the public that all necessary criminal measures would be taken against anyone found responsible for this heinous act. The investigation will be thorough and exhaustive to ensure that justice is served, and accountability is established.
The National Union of Magistrates also issued a separate press release condemning the cowardly attack on their colleague, Judge S. Kh., as he dutifully carried out his responsibilities within the Mostaganem court. The union expressed its solidarity with the injured judge and called for swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Such assaults on members of the judiciary strike at the heart of the justice system and are an attack on the rule of law. The safety and security of judges while performing their duties are of paramount importance to uphold the principles of justice and maintain public trust in the judicial system.