Ex-Defence Minister remains in custody

Georgia’s ex-Defence Minister David Kezerashvili remains in prison in France.

Kezerashvili’s case hearing was held at the Aix-en-Provence Appeal Court yesterday, January 30.

In court Fremch authorities said they would make a decision on February 27 whether Kezerashvili will be extradited to Georgia.

However on February 3, a French judge will announce whether Kezerashvili will be released on bail.

Kezerashvili’s lawyers stated there was no reason to keep their client in custody until the final verdict. The lawyers believed the ex-minister would not be extradited.

"A surprising thing happened in [court]. The French Prosecutor, who was defending interests of the Georgian Prosecutor's Office, said in his final speech that former Minister David Kezerashvili should not be extradited,” Kezerashvili’s attorney Shota Mindeli said.

He claimed the French Prosecutor explained to the court how the Georgian side had not provided enough evidence to extradite Kezerashvili.

However Georgian Prosecutor Irakli Dondoladze said all useful information asked by the French authorities had been provided from the Georgian side.

"The French court's role is not to judge a person’s guilt or about what evidence there is. Documents [have been] provided completely by the Georgian side. French lawyers requested additional information, which is currently being provided by the Chief Prosecutor’s Office,” Dondoladze stated.

Meanwhile, Kezerashvili is wanted in Georgia on multiple criminal charges including corruption. He is accused of bribe-taking, violating Georgia’s transport rules, especially large amount of movable items, and illegal money laundering committed by a group that was accompanied by acquiring a large amount of income. Kezerashvili also faces charges of alienating TV Imedi in 2008.

Furthermore he has been accused of protecting a scheme that illegally smuggled alcohol.