Verdict on Bachana Akhalia’s Case in the Episode of Prison Riot to Be Announced before Election

Salome Chkheidze

On July 31, substantial discussion of the criminal case launched against Bachana Akhalaia, former defense and interior minister of Georgia, was head at the court. Akhalaia’s lawyer Malkhaz Velijanashvili solicited to declare the evidence provided by the prosecutor non-disputable. He acknowledged every evidence presented by the prosecutor at the court were non-disputable except the resolution on finding him guilty and initial verdict submitted to the court. It means, if the solicitation is upheld, the court hearing will finish soon and the verdict will supposedly be passed before presidential election (October 27, 2013).

Judge-on-duty Besik Bugianishvili said Judge Lasha Chkhikvadze will make decision on the solicitation at the substantial discussion of the case.

The case was launched into the prison riot that occurred on March 27, 2006. Chief Prosecutor’s office blames Bacho Akhalaia in the abuse of professional authority during the riot in Ortachala Prison # 5. At that time, Akhalaia was head of penitentiary department.

Megis Kardava, Davit Chakua and Rezo Charbadze are also accused of the abuse of professional authority in the same case.

Next trial is scheduled on September 9, 2013 and the prosecutor will make introductory speech.