Former Georgian defense minister Baramidze placed in custody

Tbilisi City Court has ordered the pre-trial detention of Giorgi Baramidze, Georgia's former defense minister and one of the leaders of the opposition United National Movement party.

According to Report, citing Georgian media, the court's press service announced the decision.

Georgia's Prosecutor General's Office charged Baramidze a day earlier with treason and sabotage.

He is accused of disseminating false information and thereby causing serious damage to Georgia's image.

Under Georgian law, the charges against Baramidze carry a prison sentence of up to four years.