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Algerian policeman takes prosecutor hostage-APS

17 Dec 2008 19:13:35 GMT
Source: Reuters

ALGIERS, Dec 17 (Reuters) - An Algerian policeman, angered at his brother's conviction in a drugs case, briefly took the deputy chief prosecutor hostage at gunpoint in court, state news agency APS reported.

The policeman leapt from the public area of the criminal court in the port town of Bejaia, 250 km (156 miles) east of Algiers, on Tuesday, and rushed towards the bench, brandishing a gun and shouting threats.

He pounced on the deputy chief prosecutor who tripped over as he tried to escape from the courtroom.

Other police officers arrived and sought to persuade him to release his hostage. "And that is what happened after they explained the consequences of his actions," APS said.

The policeman was placed under arrest and risks an "exemplary punishment", said the chief prosecutor, who plans to charge him with contempt of court, rebellion and aggravated violence, APS added. (Reporting by Hamid Ould Ahmed; Editing by Tom Pfeiffer and Richard Balmforth)

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