Upset with Judge’s Decision Lawyers Refuse to Defend Chechens

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, December 5, 2002) – Lawyers of the three alleged Chechen militants claim they are unable to defend Chechens as judge refused to postpone discussion of the case.

The lawyers appealed the court to delay trail, as they had no time to get acquainted with the criminal case against the Chechens submitted to the Georgian side by the Russian General Prosecutor’s Office.

Three Chechens detained by the Georgian border guards in early August together with other 10 armed persons appealed the court to suspend their extradition to Russia because of the incomplete process of determining of their identities.

Georgian General Prosecutor’s office announced on November 28 that Georgia will hand over three Chechens to the Russian side.

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