Vano Merabishvili’s Trial

The trial of Vano Merabishvili, relating to the 26 May 2011 episode, will resume at the Tbilisi Municipal Court today. The session will be attended by the former Prime Minister himself. The defence team is to make its opening statement, and the cross-examination of prosecution’s witnesses is to commence at today’s session. Mr Merabishvili is being charged with exceeding his powers during his term as Minister of the Interior.
The prosecution argues that on Mr Merabishvili’s orders and under his leadership, force was not used proportionately to disperse the protestors on 26 May. Instead, individuals with contrasting political views were arrested, and the demonstrators were ambushed. Today’s session at the Municipal Court will begin at 12:00.