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Tbilisi to continue trial over ex-Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia

Georgia Materials 22 March 2013 11:35 (UTC +04:00)
Another trial over former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia and seven others will be held on March 22.
Tbilisi to continue trial over ex-Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia

Georgia, Tbilisi, March 22 / N. Kirtskhalia /

Another trial over former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia and seven others will be held on March 22.

First hearing on the case of Akhalaia and 7 other defendants was held on March 18 in the Tbilisi city court presided over by Judge George Darakhvelidze.

The court granted the petition of the defence and allowed video recording of the process. The prosecutor then made the opening remarks and explained in detail what the defendants are accused of. During the substantive review of the case, the witnesses, experts and investigators will be questioned, and evidence and expert opinion presented.

The defence has requested time to prepare for the opening remarks. According to Bacho Akhalaia's lawyers, they want to meet with their client and agree upon it with him.

Akhalaia himself expressed his willingness to be informed in advance about the witnesses to be able to adequately prepare for their testimony.

The court gave the defence time until March 22 and ordered the process to start at 12:00. After that, according to the judge, the processes will be carried out every second day.

However, the prosecution and the defence claimed that no negotiations are held with defendants on conclusion of procedural agreements.

Along with Bacho Akhalaia, the court will hear the cases of George Kalandadze, Alexander Gorgadze, Zurab Shamatava, Merab Kikabidze Manuchara Daraselia and George Kintsurashvili. The latter two are absconding.

The accused are charged with inhuman treatment to military servants, illegal confinement and abuse of power.

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