Former Defense Minister Detained In Georgia

Irakli Okruashvili (TV screen shot)

September 27, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Security forces in Georgia have detained a former prominent member of President Mikheil Saakashvili's administration, just two days after he launched a verbal attack on the president.

Irakli Okruashvili on September 25 accused Saakashvili of ordering killings and establishing authoritarian rule.

Okruashvili was detained on charges of extortion, money laundering, and abuse of office while Georgia's defense minister.

In the period between Georgia's 2003 Rose Revolution and his exit from politics nearly a year ago, Okruashvili held numerous posts, including prosecutor-general, interior minister, and defense minister.

This week he launched an opposition Movement for a United Georgia.