TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — A court in the former Soviet republic of Georgia has ordered an asset freeze for the property of former President Mikhail Saakashvili and his family.
Saakashvili, who heralded in liberal reforms and was at the helm during the country’s five-day war with Russia in 2008, faces charges of illegally breaking up a protest, taking over a television station and seizing the property of a businessman.
His lawyer, Otar Kakhidze, told reporters on Friday that the asset freeze, imposed by the Tbilisi city court, concerns not only his property but also that of his mother and grandmother. He said he would appeal the injunction.
Saakashvili, who left the country when his term expired in 2013, previously failed to appear before investigators for questioning and dismissed his case as politically motivated.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
