Saakashvili's letter asks French Gov't not to extradite ex-Defence Minister

Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili urges the French courts to recognize the case against ex-Defence Minister Davit Kezerashvili as politically motivated.

Kezerashvili is wanted in Georgia on multiple criminal charges including corruption. He is accused of bribe-taking, violations of Georgias rules for transportation of especially large amount of movable items, and illegal money laundering committed by a group that was accompanied by acquiring a large amount of income. David Kezerashvili also faces charges of alienating TV Imedi in 2008.He was detained in France on October 14 last year.

This is the second letter published today in Georgian newspaper Alia, the first one was written to the French authorities by the United National Movement, a party lead by Saakashvili, asked for the release of Georgias ex-Defence Minister on bail.

Saakashvilis personal letter to French authorities says Kezerashvili would face persecution in Georgia and many human rights had been abused because of his fundamental importance to the UNM.

"I would therefore urge the French courts to recognize Davids attempted extradition for what it is: a politically motivated request based on bogus charges, and accordingly to bar this extradition, Saakashvili wrote in his letter to French authorities.

Former President called Kezerashvili a key leader of UNM team and the main fundraiser of the party. The letter also gave detailed explanations of Kezerashvilis important role within the party.

"During all these years, he was the central point of fundraising but remained also one of the main strategists of the party and took part in all of the partys strategic decisions in the past few years, reads the letter. |/

Moreover, Saakashvili underlined that even when the new authorities made it possible to stay in Georgia, his role had only grown in importance inside the UNM.

"He was the only one to know the potential finances for any form of campaign and the only one that they would trust, the former President said in a two page letter.

This is letter of Mikheil Saakashvili was dated November 21, 2013.