The Algerian prosecutor's office requested 20-year prison sentences for several former politicians accused of corruption, including two prime ministers who served under ex-president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, AFP reported.

Investigations into grant allegations were launched after Bouteflika stepped down in April in the face of mass protests which erupted in February against his bid for a fifth term.

They are facing charges ranging from money laundering to abuse of office and granting undue privileges.

According to local media reports, the 19 defendants include two former premiers, other prominent ex-politicians and automotive industry tycoons.

The proceedings have been dominated by accusations of illegal funding during Bouteflika's last election campaign. The prosecutor said the campaign had caused a loss to the public treasury estimated at 110 billion dinars ($920 million).

This is the first time since Algeria's independence from France in 1962 that former prime ministers have been put on trial.