The court in Tbilisi is expected to issue its verdict against Vladimer Arutunian, who is accused of tossing a hand-grenade during U.S. President Bush?s public speech in Tbilisi last May, on January 11.
Prosecutors want life imprisonment for Arutunian, who faces terrorism and murder charges for the May 10 incident in Tbilisi and the killing of a security officer during a fatal clash before his arrest in July, 2005. He is also charged with illegal possession of arms.
In September, a U.S. federal grand jury also indicted Vladimir Arutunian on charges of trying to assassinate the U.S. President and on possessing, using and carrying a firearm. But the U.S. has not requested Arutunian?s extradition.
Georgian investigators have announced recently that Arutunian acted alone without any accomplices.
During the trial Arutunian exercised his right to silence, saying that he would testify only in the presence of international human rights organizations.
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