Tbilisi court finds Georgian ex-defence minister’s brother guilty of abuse of power

Tbilisi, Georgia, March 14

By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:

The Tbilisi city court found the wanted former head of the Georgian Interior Ministry's Constitutional Security Department, Davit Akhalaia guilty in using his official position for personal gain and sentenced him in absentia to three years and nine months in prison.

However the court dropped charges against Davit Akhalaia, former Defence Minister Bacho Akhalaia's brother which included allegations of torture and beating of police officers.

Former senior officials of the Georgian Interior Ministry Oleg Melnikov, Soso Topuridze and Geronti Alania were sentenced to imprisonment of three years and nine months on the case of beating a police officer.

All convicts were also deprived of the right to hold official positions for six months.

The investigation against Davit Akhalaia started on Nov. 19, 2012, under the case of physical abuse against a police officer in 2005.

On December 4, Tbilisi city court sentenced Akhalaia in absentia to a pre-trial imprisonment on basis of power abuse and illegal imprisonment charges brought against him.

After sentencing, Bacho Akhalaia's and David Akhalaia's father, Georgian MP Roland Akhalaia said his family was under pressure.

Translated by E.A.

Edited by S.M.