Released Sailors Returned to Georgia

Released Sailors Returned to Georgia

Tbilisi.11.02.05.Media News. Four sailors of the Ship “Nana” charged with illegally transporting emigrants – Davit Mikadze, Nodar Sarishvili, Zaur Djulukhidze and Sergo Lobachovi have returned to Georgia.

A Greek attorney defended the interests of the Georgian sailors on the trial held recently in Greece. Shalva Vadachkoria, Captain of the ship remains in detention. His extradition will take place in about 6 months.

The Ship “Nana” was detained in the waters of Greece on January 14, 2004. This year on the trial held on January 25 the members of the crew were charged with illegally transporting 153 Indian emigrants to Greece; they were found guilty. Moreover, the Captain was found to have false documents of the ship. Therefore the court left him in detention. Each day of being in detention is estimated with 4.40 Euros. If the Georgian side pays this amount (approx. 15 000 Euros) Vadachkoria will be released.

The court sentenced the Captain to 100 years and others to 10 years of imprisonment a few months ago.

On the trial on January 25 their verdict was changed and they were sentenced to extradition. One of the six detained sailors – Revaz Antia died in April 2004.