09 November 2012, 23:00
Georgia's ex-Minister of Defence put in jail for two months
Today, the Tbilisi City Court pronounced pre-trial restriction measure for Bacho Akhalaya, ex-Minister of the Internal Affairs and Defence of Georgia, in the form of pre-trial detention for two months.
At the court hearing, held on November 9, the Court dismissed the arguments of defence and did not release Bacho Akhalaya till trial on bail of 20 laris (about 12,000 US dollars).
The ex-Minister faces additional charges under Article 143 of the Criminal Code of Georgia "unlawful restraint of liberty". The Article provides for penalty of imprisonment of up to 12 years. Lawyers intend to challenge the decision within two days.
Today, Bacho Akhalaya will be transferred to the prison in Gldani. This was reported by the judge on the air of the "Maestro" TV Channel.
At the same time, the Court agreed with the conclusion of procedural agreements between the Prosecutor's Office and Giorgy Kalandadze, Chief of United Staff of the Armed Forces of Georgia, and Zurab Shamatava, Brigade Commander. Each of them was released on bail of 20,000 laris.
Author: Alena Aleshchenko Source: CK correspondent