Khaled Nezzar, 85, served as Algeria’s defence minister from 1990 to 1993 and was a member of the High Council of State (HCE) from 1992 to 1994.

He is accused of breaking the laws of armed conflicts as outlined in the Geneva Conventions between 1992 and 1994. His role before that was as chief of staff of the National Popular Army between 1988 and 1990.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) of Switzerland said in a statement that Mr Nezzar “knowingly and willingly condoned, coordinated and encouraged the torture and other cruel, inhumane or humiliating acts, physical and psychological assaults, arbitrary detentions and convictions and extra-judicial executions”.

This indictment is the result of years of investigation by Trial International, a Geneva-based NGO dedicated to combating impunity for international crimes and aiding victims in their pursuit of justice.

Abdelwahab Boukezouha, one of the claimants, expressed his relief at the indictment, which he had been anticipating for 12 years.

Mr Boukezouha said in a statement: “I’m not just fighting for myself, but for all of the victims of the Black Decade [the years of the civil war], as well as for the youth and for future generations. Never again should an Algerian man or woman be subjected to what I went through.”