TBILISI, DFWatch — The former Georgian defense minister Bacho Akhalaia who is now in detention facing three charges wants to be judged by a jury.

Davit Dekanoidze, lawyer of Akhalaia, on Wednesday said at a press conference that his client wants his case to be reviewed by a jury.

Davit Dekanoidze said he has spoken about this issue with his client, who now feels well and ‘lively.’


The Justice Ministry and Prosecutor’s Office decided to expand the current jurisdiction of juries in Georgia. Currently only grave criminals have had a right to demand their cases to reviewed by a jury.

The new initiative suggests that a jury also review crimes committed by officials.

“I think it is quite acceptable if a jury will review cases of officials and this is good,” Bacho Akhalaia’s lawyer said, adding that his client agrees with him.

Akhalaia is charged with abuse of power, torture and illegal deprivation of freedom. He was detained after the change of government.