Saakashvili Comments on Ex-Adjarian Leader

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said on December 5 that the authorities gave security guarantees to ex-Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze that enabled him ?to survive physically,? but did not guarantee immunity from prosecution ?for all crimes and wrongdoings Abashidze has committed.?

This comment by President Saakashvili followed issuing the arrest warrant on Aslan Abashidze a court in Batumi, Adjara on December 5.

Aslan Abashidze gave up power in Adjara and fled to Russia after the central authorities in Tbilisi provided security guarantees last May. President Saakashvili?s administration even pledged that it would not seek Abashidze?s extradition.

?We give him [Aslan Abashidze] a security guarantee, as a result of which he left the country unharmed and survived physically. Afterwards, number of his wrongdoings has been revealed,? Saakashvili told reporters.
 
The Georgian General Prosecutor?s Office brought criminal charges against the ex-leader of Adjara last July. Abashidze is charged with alleged misuse of power and misappropriation of state funds, illegal detentions, as well as with masterminding terrorist acts, involving blowing up two bridges in Adjara last May.

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