Fugitive ex-minister returns to Georgia

Fugitive ex-minister of Georgia`s defense and interior, Irakli Okruashvili has returned to Georgia from France, where he was granted political asylum during past five years. Okruashvili was arrested at the Tbilisi International Airport and taken to the Gldani prison.

Today, Tbilisi City Court is hearing the case against Irakli Okruashvili. Former minister`s representatives say he arrived in Georgia to appear before justice and attend the trial. Former chief of the general inspection of the ministry of defense, Ioseb Giguashvili has also arrived together with Okruashvili.

Irakli Okruashvili was sentenced to 11 year imprisonment in absentia. Ex-minister was charged with abuse of duties and money laundering. Court ruled on the case on March 28, 2008.

Irakli Okruashvili, lawyer by profession, was the ministyer of interior and defense in 2004-2006. On November 10, 2006, he announced his resigned as the minister of defense and assumed the office of the economic development minister, which he also left in a week moving into the opposition of the government then. Afterwards, he founded a political party For United Georgia together with his allies. IN 2007, Okruashvili was arrested in his party office.

Adapted from GHN