An Algerian appeals court has upheld the 15-year and 12-year sentences for two former prime ministers jailed in corruption cases brought in response to mass protests against the North African country's political elite, international news agency Reuters reported.

It said Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal were jailed on charges including the misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power and granting undue privileges.

According to press monitoring organisation the Middle East Monitor, the cases are linked to Algeria's car assembly industry and the illegal financing of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s election campaign.

Bouteflika, who ruled for 20 years, resigned last April under pressure from protests rejecting his plan to seek a fifth term in office and demanding the prosecution of people involved in corruption and the removal of the ruling elite, the Middle East Monitor reported.