French court releases Georgia’s ex-Defence Minister from custody

Georgia’s ex-Defence Minister David Kezerashvili has been released on bail by a French court.

Kezerashvili’s lawyer Shota Mindeli confirmed Kezerashvili had been released from custody and was banned from leaving France until January 27. 

This was when French authorities are expected to make a decision whether Kezerashvili will be extradited to Georgia.

Mindeli said he did not know what Kezerashvili's bail was set at but did not believe it was very large. He said the former official would live in the Aix-en-Provence and will only be allowed to leave his residence within specific hours.

Meanwhile Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported the Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal released Kezerashvili on the condition that he wore an electronic bracelet to monitor his movements.

Georgia’s former Minister of Defence was named on the Interpol wanted list before he was arrested and detained in France on October 10, 2013, in accordance with Georgia’s request.

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. He also faces charges of alienating TV Imedi in 2008.

He has also been accused of protecting a scheme that illegally smuggled alcohol.