TBILISI, DFWatch–Tbilisi City Court today holds pretrial hearing in the case against Saakashvili loyalist Bacho Akhalaia and other former government officials.

The hearing has been rescheduled several times on request by the Chief Prosecutor.

Wednesday’s hearings concern Bacho Akhalaia, the former Interior Minister, Defense and Prison Minister in Saakashvili’s government; Giorgi Kalandadze, a former chief of the joint military staff; and Zurab Shamatava, who used to be head of the Fourth Brigade.

All of them are accused of abuse of powers. Akhalaia is also accused of illegal deprivation of freedom and torture. The three of them were detained on November 7, 2012. Kalandadze and Shamatava were released on bail, while the former minister remains in jail.

After today’s hearing, basic reviews of the cases must start within fourteen days.

A rally in support of Akhalaia is planned today outside the court building.