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Irakli Okruashvili to be released on GEL 10 million bails

08 October 2007 16:53 (UTC +04:00)

Georgiaâ€™s Deputy Prosecutor General Nikoloz Gvaramia has announced at a briefing today that he had committed several offences and taking into accounted what is mentioned above, his preventive punishment can be substituted for bail
â€œThe prosecutor generalâ€™s office has taken into account the legitimate interest shown by the public as well as MPs in the statements made by Irakli Okruashvili and Okruashviliâ€™s lawyersâ€™ appeal for a response to those statements and an investigation was started on this. On October 7, Irakli Okruashvili was questioned as a witness. A lawyer invited by him was present at the interrogation. Before giving evidence, Okruashvili was warned about criminal responsibility for false evidence. Irakli Okruashvili was asked questions related to all his statements and accusations to the media and he was given an opportunity to provide additional information, his own argumentation or proofs to substantiate them. However, Irakli Okruashvili gave no additional information or no proof. In response to the questions, Okruashvili said his statements to the media were not reflecting the reality and w
Irakli Okruashvili expressed readiness to cooperate with the investigation.
â€œBesides, I would like to inform you that Okruashvili expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation. In this connection, he was interrogated in the presence of his lawyer. During the interrogation, he admitted the fact of extorting a large bribe (the matter concerns Jemal Svanidzeâ€™s share in Dzheossel Company, which market price was over $10mn and which he was forced to sell for a nominal price of $250,000). Okruashvili also admitted his guilt in negligence,â€ the prosecution official announced.
Under Georgiaâ€™s Criminal Code, Okruashvili has been charged with extortion (article 181), money laundering (article 194), abuse of office (article 332), and work negligence (article 342). He was detained on September 27. /APA/