Georgian opposition leader Nino Burdzhanadze said on Monday she would not post bail for her husband, Badri Bitsadze, accused of organizing attacks on police during recent protests.
“Why is the state so merciful to me and my family?” Burdzhanadze said. “So many detainees have no opportunity to post bail. Is my husband a special exception?” she continued.
“This is not the generosity of the government … I will not agree to such methods and will not pay bail under any circumstances.”
Georgian police said earlier in the day that they arrested 24 members of an armed group that was planning attacks in an attempt to destabilize the situation in the country. Police said a member of the group had said that Bitsadze was one of the main figures.
Police also said the group was headed by former Georgian interior minister Temur Khachishvili, who currently lives in Russia.
The Georgian Foreign Ministry said on Friday that leaders of the People’s Assembly party had planned to arm protesters calling for the resignation of President Mikheil Saakashvili.
Riot police used water cannons, rubber bullets and teargas to disperse opposition activists who gathered late on Wednesday on Tbilisi’s main street in an attempt to prevent an Independence Day military parade. Georgia said Russia was behind the rally.
Tensions between Russia and Georgia remain high over a number of issues, including Moscow’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia and Georgia fought a five-day war over the later in 2008.
MOSCOW, May 30 (RIA Novosti)