Rally being dispersed in TbilisiSeptember 28, 2007 - 19:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A mass rally is taking place in Tbilisi in support of former Defense Minister, leader of the Movement for United Georgia Irakli Okruashvili, who was arrested yesterday on accusation of corruption. The demonstrators blocked traffic at Rustaveli Avenue. A statement issued by the disgraced ex-minister was read for some 5 thousand people who gathered at the parliament building. Okruashvili thanked his supporters called "not to be afraid of the authorities." Koki Guntsadze, one of the leaders of the Movement said they will demand resignation of the President and dismissal of parliament. Meanwhile, policemen with batons are rushing towards Rustaveli Avenue. Several ambulances and fire engines have already arrived at the site, Lenta.ru reports. Irakli Okruashvili, who went into opposition to President Mikhael Saakashvili, was detained in Tbilisi September 27. He is accused under 4 articles of the Georgian Penal Code: extortion, money laundering, abuse of authority and office negligence. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |