Saakashvili's letter asks French Gov't not to extradite ex-Defence Minister
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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.
A secret letter to French authorities, written by the former ruling party asking for the release of Georgia’s ex-Defence Minister, has been exposed.
A document prepared by international audit company Deloitte Limited, revealed the income and the extent of ex Minister of Defense David Kezerashvili’s business with the turnover more than 795 million USD in 2012.
The United National Movement has confirmed the letter to French authorities to release Georgia’s ex-Defence Minister is authentic.
A top secret document about Georgian television company Media Holding Imedi has been revealed at 11 am by the Ministry of Justice.
"The previous government has terrorized and blackmailed Patarkatsishvili’s family and has charged Badri Patarkatsishvili with absurd allegations,” Georgian Minister of Jutsice said.
A former American diplomat has criticised Mikheil Saakashvili’s new leadership role at a top American University, saying he is a poor leader and his appointment is "a disservice to students”.
Georgia’s ex-Defence Minister is set to appear in a French court of law today, where authorities will discuss his extradition.
French authorities decided to keep David Kezerashvili in custody during a hearing in a French court of law. The court held its first session to discuss Kezerashvili’s extradition to Georgia yesterday.
Kezerashvili’s lawyer Shota Mindeli confirmed Kezerashvili has been released from custody. French media reported Kezerashvili will have to wear an electronic bracelet for monitoring purposes.