French prosecutor against Georgian ex-defense minister's extradition
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 31 January 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, French prosecutor against Georgian ex-defense minister's extradition, 31 January 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/533144d014.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 31, 2014
By RFE/RL's Georgian Service
Former Georgian Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili arrives at Aix-en-Provence courthouse for am extradition hearing last month.
A prosecutor in the French city of Aix-en-Provence recommended that former Georgian Defense Minister David Kezerashvili not be extradited to Georgia.
Meanwhile, Kezerashvili's lawyer, Shota Mindeli, said on January 31 that the final decision on his client's possible extradition is due on February 27.
Mindeli added that the decision whether Kezerashvili will be released on bail or not will be announced on February 3.
Kezerashvili was arrested in France in October on a weapons-trafficking charge.
Investigators in Georgia say Kezerashvili is suspected of money laundering, illegal commercial property sales in Tbilisi, and taking a $12 million bribe to facilitate alcohol smuggling in the Caucasus country.
Kezerashvili is a close associate of Georgia's former President Mihkeil Saakashvili, who stepped down in October after serving two terms.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
