Bachana Akhalaia Still In Prison Despite Being Pardoned

Tamta Tvalavadze

Although Mikheil Saakashvili pardoned him, the former defense minister of Georgia Bachana Akhalaia cannot leave prison, because he is sentenced to pretrial detention in the fourth criminal case he is accused of. The fourth case refers to the murder of Sandro Girgvliani.

On November 3, President Saakashvili enjoyed his authority and pardoned former defense and interior minister. The relevant statement on his decision was published on the President’s official Facebook page. He clarified his decision as follows – “it is my duty to sign the pardon document not only because it refers to Bacho Akhalaia, but because I do not want to allow a precedent when thieves-in-law judge and imprison the person who conducted state policy against mafia,” the statement reads.

The president pardoned him in the so-called prison riot case. On October 28, the court sentenced Bachana Akhalaia to 3, 9 year in jail in this case. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, in spring of 2006 media sources reported that Akhalaia physically assaulted prisoners. In order to hash away this information, Akhalaia, together with so-called Mastera, worked out a plan and organized a riot in Prisons # 1 and # 5. In this case, Bachana Akhalaia was convicted under Article 332 Part III – b and c of the Criminal Code of Georgia that is abuse of professional power. After being pardoned, this charge was annulled. 

Akhalaia was found innocent in two more criminal cases launched against him – one about torture of special unit officers and second on verbal and physical assault of military servants and restriction of freedom.