The Economic and Financial Penal Pole in Algeria has held a trial regarding a corruption case involving the National Agency for Dams and Transfers. Former Minister of Water Resources, Arezki Berraki, and several former agency directors face charges of wasting public funds and procedural irregularities in awarding contracts. The case focuses on the "Medjez El Bagar" dam project in Guelma, which saw its costs inflate significantly due to addenda exceeding the value of the original contract, leading to a loss of approximately 600 billion centimes. The defendants are charged with abuse of influence and misuse of office. During the trial, the former minister denied the allegations, stating he was either not in office or incarcerated when the addenda were signed. Other defendants maintained that they complied with public procurement laws, asserting that the project achieved its economic objectives despite concerns over procedural compliance.