22 May 2013, 02:00
A charge of corruption-related crimes brought against ex-Prime Minister of Georgia Vano Merabishvili
In the evening of May, 21, Prosecutor General’s office of Georgia brought charges against ex-Prime Minister, Secretary General of “United National Movement” party Vano Merabishvili and Governor of Kakhetia, ex-Minister of Public Health Zurab Chiaberashvili. Merabishvili and Chiaberashvili are accused of corruption, abuse of authority and embezzlement of state funds.
Earlier, the “Caucasian Knot” reported that ex-Prime Minister, Secretary General of “United National Movement” Vano Merabishvili was detained on May, 21, after interrogation in Public Prosecutor’s office. Ex-Minister of Public Health and social defense Zurab Chiaberashvili was also detained. Vano Merabishvili does not acknowledge himself guilty.
The charges were brought according to three clauses of the Criminal Code of Georgia: bribery of voters, embezzlement or misappropriation of funds with the use of one’s official position resulting in significant damage and abuse of authority, “Interfax” reports.
The form of preventive punishment has not yet been specified, RIA “Novosti” reports.
Meanwhile, an information of search in Merabishvili and Chiaberashvili’s houses appeared.
During search in Vano Merabishvili’s house a large sum of money was confiscated. In Zurab Chiaberashvili’s house law enforcement officers impounded his and his daughter’s computers and the Governor’s research works, “Georgia Online” referring to the detainees’ attorneys reports.
There has been no comment from Merabishvili and Chiaberashvili’s attorneys in connection with the charge yet.
