Georgia’s Ombudsman Recommending Release of Zurab Chankotadze

   Public Defender of Georgia has recommended Vake-Saburtalo District Court to immediately release Zurab Chankotadze, ex-Chief of Civil Aviation Authority.
   “Although pre-trial investigation finished on August 31, 2004 and on September 20, 2004 the case was handed over to Vake Saburtalo-District Court, the accused has not been trailed almost for 6 months. Nor his detention term has been extended by the court… Therefore, we believe that Chankotadze is in illegal custody and should be released,” goes the letter.
   Zurab Chankotadze was arrested on March 16, 2004 and the detention term expired on March 18, November. Chankotadze is charged with misuse of power.