Ex-Minister of alternative government of South Ossetia sentenced to 13 years of high security colony

The Supreme Court of South Ossetia has completed consideration of the case, initiated against Teimuraz Dzherapov, former minister of economy of the government of South Ossetian in exile (temporary administration of the republic formed in Tbilisi).

The Court has found the defendant's guilt fully proved and sentenced him to 13 years of imprisonment to be served in a high security colony. Dzherapov was granted the right to lodge a cassation complaint within 10 days, as reported by the State Committee for Information and Press of the Republic of South Ossetia.

Dzherapov himself said that he was guilty only of "having believed the promises of Georgian leadership to solve the problem of South Ossetia by peaceful means." He plans to appeal against the verdict, the "Echo of the Caucasus" Radio reports.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Teimuraz Dzherapov was charged under Articles 278 and 322 of the Russian Criminal Code dealing with illegal crossing of the state border". The trial was to be held on September 13 but was postponed due to non-appearance of a witness.

Dzherapov is accused of taking part in 2006 in the alternative presidential election in South Ossetia and activities until August 2008 as the minister of economy in the so-called "temporary administration" of Dmitri Sanakoev, which was accountable to Tbilisi.

Dzherapov's detention became known on April 22. Then, the press service of the KGB of South Ossetia explained that Dzherapov, a citizen of Georgia, since 2006 was wanted for his crimes committed in South Ossetia.

Let us remind you that in Georgia Dzherapov was called a political prisoner; international observers were called to help to release him.