Ex-defence Minister Okruashvili Remains in Pre-trial Custody

Irakli Okruashvili, the former Defense Minister of Georgia, will remain in detention before the trial, the Tbilisi City Court ruled today. 

Lawyer Mamuka Chabashvili filed a motion requesting for his release on GEL 500, 000 bail, however, the judge declined the request.

The Prosecutor stated that he should remain in detention in order to prevent the risk of fleeing the country or obstructing the course of justice by his side.

The next hearing will be held on October 29.

Okruashvili was charged with incitement to group violence during the June 20 protests in Tbilisi, which is punishable by six to nine years in prison.

He was denied bail on July 27 which was later appealed by Okruashvili’s lawyers.

He served as prosecutor general, interior and defense ministers under the United National Movement government.

Related Story: MIA: Okruashvili Detained for Group Violence on June 20-21 Rally

By Ana Dumbadze