Georgian ex-prime minister Merabishvili to await trial in jail

Georgia, Tbilisi, May 22 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia / On May 22, a court in Georgia has ordered that Ex-Prime Minister Vano Merabishvili be held in jail for two months pending trial on charges of embezzlement and abuse of office. Ex-Health Minister Zurab Chiaberashvili, a former ambassador who was detained on May 21 together with Merabishvili on corruption and abuse of power charges, was offered bail of 20,000 lari (about $13,000), payable within 30 days. Merabishvili, who was premier for five months in 2012 and previously had been interior minister, leads the party of President Mikhail Saakashvili. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az