23:07, 22 May 2013

Merabishvili remains in custody in Georgia; Chiaberashvili to be released on bail

The Kutaisi Regional Court has chosen a two-month pre-trial detention as the freedom restriction measure for Vano Merabishvili, Secretary General of the "United National Movement" and ex-head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). Zurab Chiaberashvili, the former Minister of Public Health of Georgia and Governor of Kakheti, will be released on bail, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

The bail makes 20,000 laris.

Merabishvili met the judge's decision calmly, saying that he became a victim of political execution. It is noteworthy that his wife left Georgia.

David Kirkitadze, the Governor of Kvemo-Kartli, who was interrogated on this case, also left Georgia. The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told at the Governor's press service that he would be back in about a month.

Merabishvili and Chiaberashvili were detained on May 21 on suspicion of bribing voters, embezzlement or misappropriation of funds and abuse of power. The appropriate charges have been presented. Merabishvili and Chiaberashvili refuse to plead guilty.

Author: Anna Konopleva

Source: CK correspondent