Algeria’s Finance Minister Mohamed Loukal appeared in Algiers as part of an investigation into suspected misuse of public funds, state television reported. Former police chief Abdelghani Hamel also appeared before another court as part of an investigation into “illegal activities, influence peddling, misappropriation of land and abuse of office”. Hamel, who was sacked last year by former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for undisclosed reasons, and his son appeared in Tipaza, west of the capital. Loukal and Hamel left court after being questioned by judges, the private television channel Ennahar reported, without providing details. None of the men or the lawyers defending them made any immediate comment. It is unclear what happened in the courts. Under the Algerian legal system, judges can look into ongoing investigations and decide whether to put people in custody or release them until inquiries are complete. Loukal and Hamel join a list of powerful figures to face judicial investigations since mass protests forced the resignation of Bouteflika this month. High-profile figures targeted over the past week include the North African countrys richest man, Issad Rebrab, who was detained on allegations of false customs declarations. The head of the vast state oil firm Sonatrach, Abdelmoumen Ould Kaddour, has been fired and replaced on the orders of interim president Abdelkader Bensalah. Four brothers from the influential Kouninef family, close to Bouteflikas brother Said, have been arrested over alleged non-compliance with state contracts, according to official media. Protesters took to the streets in February, calling for the ousting of Bouteflika and the dismantling of the political elite that surrounded his 20-year rule. Bouteflika resigned on April 2 under pressure from the army, but the protests have continued with calls for a handover to a new, civilian-led government. Abdelkader Bensalah, head of the upper house of parliament, became interim president after Bouteflika’s departure. Presidential elections are scheduled for July 4.