At trial in case of attempt on President of Abkhazia, court dismisses defence's challenge of panel of judges

In Sukhumi, the trial in the case of a series of assassination attempts against Abkhazian President Alexander Ankvab has been started. At the first court session, the court has dismissed the defence's motion to challenge panel of judges and granted the motion to exclude some materials from the case, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on August 12, the Investigating Department of the Abkhazian General Prosecutor's Office announced the completion of the investigation into a series of assassination attacks against Alexander Ankvab.

The advocate of defendant Butba has claimed distrust to Judge Roman Kvarchiya, who chaired the court session, and challenged all three judges. In that regard, a relative of one of the bodyguards killed in the assassination attack committed on February 22, 2012, has claimed that the actions of the defendants' advocates "are aimed to ensure that the trial will not take place." The panel of judges of the court has dismissed the motion.

Let us remind you that at night on April 18, Timur Khutaba, one of the persons arrested in the case, committed suicide. On April 17, Almasbei Kchach, ex-Minister of Internal Affairs, shot and killed himself in his own apartment. Investigators suspected him of organizing the assassination. On the same day, Murtaz Sakaniya, who was invited for questioning, also tried to commit suicide; however, he was rescued, and at present, Murtaz Sakaniya is arrested.