TBILISI, DFWatch — A former Interior Ministry top was Thursday released on bail.

Shota Khizanishvili, who after the National Movement’s election loss became Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi, was included in a mass amnesty which applies to more than 18 500 prisoners.

The amnesty includes violations concerning the illegal dissemination of information, which was the first charge against Khizanishvili, which he was sentenced to pretrial detention for.


But a few days ago, a new charge was brought against him; abuse of powers.

Tbilisi City Court reviewed the new charges and granted his lawyer’s request to release the accused on bail. The court set bail at USD 21 000.

Khizanishvili left court the without making comments.