Tsotne Gamsakhurdia accused of being Russia's spy

In Georgia, the son of the former President Zviad Gamsakhurdia - Tsotne, who is already in custody accused of a murder attempt, saw new charges of espionage in favour of Russia and participation in an anti-governmental plot.

The "Caucasian Knot" reported that Tsotne Gamsakhurdia was arrested in October 2009 and accused of  inflicting a gunshot wound to his neighbour David Badzhelidze in a domestic quarrel. Tsotne rejects the charge and states that the incident was arranged by special agencies.

When employees of the prosecutor's office were acquainting Tsotne today with the materials of his criminal case, it became clear that they contain not only the episode with injuring Badzhelidze but also cooperation with Russian special agencies during disorders in Tbilisi in November 2007. Radio Liberty reports that the point is in the video records, widespread on November 7, 2007, during the oppositional actions.

Keti Bekauri, Tsotne's advocate, told journalists that the court session was appointed to February 8. The session should unite two criminal cases initiated against Gamsakhurdia - a murder attempt, espionage in favour of Russia and participation in anti-governmental plot. "All the accusations of my client have no proofs," the "Georgia Online" quotes Ms Bekauri as saying.

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party of Georgia demands an open and public trial of the son of the first president of Georgia. On this occasion, on January 27, Kakha Kukava, one of leaders of the Party, had a meeting with Georgian Ombudsman Georgiy Tugushi. "We also got information from the Ombudsman about the state of health of Tsotne Gamsakhurdia. As he told us, his condition is not critical," Mr Kukava said.