Ex-Adjarian Leader Faces Criminal Charges

The General Prosecutor?s Office will bring criminal charges against ex-leader of the Adjara Autonomous Republic Aslan Abashidze, Georgian Deputy Prosecutor General Giorgi Janashia said at a news briefing on July 5.

?The investigation has all the grounds to bring criminal charges against Aslan Abashidze. He will be charged with misuse of power and misappropriation of state funds,? deputy chief prosecutor said.
 
He refrained from specifying the details, however added that the group of experts will also investigate the legality of Abashidze?s property.

Ex-leader of Adjara Aslan Abashidze fled for Russia on May 6 after receiving security guarantees from the Georgian central authorities. Georgian authorities also pledged that they will not seek for Abashidze?s extradition.

Georgian Interior Minister Irakli Okruashvili said in late June that Abashidze and his family members were given of non-persecution guarantees only on the Russian soil.