President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has signed a presidential decree approving an extradition agreement between Algeria and Russia. According to the decree, published in the latest issue of the Official Gazette (Issue No. 55), the agreement was signed between the two countries during the Algerian President’s visit to Russia on June 15, 2023.
Under the terms of the agreement, both parties commit to extraditing individuals located within their respective territories, upon request, for the purpose of prosecution for an extraditable offense or for executing a sentence related to such an offense.
The agreement specifies that the crimes eligible for extradition are those punishable under the laws of both parties with a prison sentence of at least one year. Extradition will only be granted if the remaining sentence is no less than six months, except in exceptional cases.
Algeria and Russia share a long-standing and multifaceted relationship that has evolved significantly over the years.
Recent developments have seen both nations deepening their strategic partnership, particularly in the wake of global geopolitical shifts. During a visit by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Moscow in June 2023, a “deep strategic partnership” agreement was signed, underscoring the importance of their bilateral ties. This agreement covers various areas, including military cooperation, energy development, and economic collaboration. Russia remains Algeria’s primary arms supplier, accounting for a significant portion of its military imports, which underscores the strategic nature of their relationship.
Moreover, both countries have expressed a desire to expand their cooperation beyond traditional areas, exploring opportunities in trade, culture, and education. For instance, there have been cultural exchanges such as the Days of Algerian Culture in Russia, highlighting the broadening scope of their partnership.
However, the relationship is not without its challenges. Algeria has expressed concerns about Russia’s involvement in regional conflicts, particularly through the Wagner Group’s activities in Libya and Mali, which have sometimes conflicted with Algeria’s foreign policy goals, especially regarding its security concerns.
