TBILISI, DFWatch — Presecutors in Georgia have charged the former head of the General Headquarter with a new accusation of illegal deprivation of freedom.

Monday morning the accused, Giorgi Kalandadze, was once again called to the prosecutor’s office for interrogation.

After hours of questioning, Kalandadze’s lawyer told journalists that his client is charged under section 143 of the criminal code, which is about illegal deprivation of freedom, but no other details are known.

The lawyer said these events have nothing to do with a criminal investigation, but are a form of political persecution.

Giorgi Kalandadze was detained November 7 together with Bacho Akhalaia, former interior minister, and Zurab Abashidze, commander of the fourth brigade, all charged with abuse of powers.

Later, Bacho Akhalaia was charged under section 143, for illegal deprivation of freedom, which applied to a certain case based on testimonies of several witnesses.

The case, which took place September 13, 2011, involves both Akhalaia and Kalandadze.

The victim was beaten several times and received death threats. At first, charges were only brought against Bacho Akhalaia in this case, for deprivation of freedom.

But today, Giorgi Kalandadze’s lawyer said that the new charges are related to this case.

Abuse of power is punishable with up to eight years in jail, while deprivation of freedom is punishable with up to ten years in jail.

The court hearing for the first charges have already been held. The court decided to release Giogi Kalanadadze for USD 12 000 bail, later other charges were handed to him and the court set an additional bail of USD 6 000.