TBILISI -- Georgian leader Mikheil Saakashvili has pardoned the imprisoned son of the country's first president, Zviad Gamsakhurdia.
Georgia's presidential office said October that the decision regarding Tsotne Gamsakhurdia was made at the request of Georgia's Orthodox Patriarch, Iliya the Second.
Tsotne Gamsakhurdia was imprisoned three years ago for attempted murder and illegal gun possession.
His nine-year prison term was extended by a year for violations of prison regulations.
In 2007, Tsotne Gamsakhurdia was charged with spying for Russia, but the charge was later dropped.
His father, a prominent Soviet-era dissident and Georgia's first president, led the country between 1991 and 1992.
He was killed in Georgia's western region of Samegrelo on December 31, 1993, in circumstances that remain unclear.
Georgia's presidential office said October that the decision regarding Tsotne Gamsakhurdia was made at the request of Georgia's Orthodox Patriarch, Iliya the Second.
Tsotne Gamsakhurdia was imprisoned three years ago for attempted murder and illegal gun possession.
His nine-year prison term was extended by a year for violations of prison regulations.
In 2007, Tsotne Gamsakhurdia was charged with spying for Russia, but the charge was later dropped.
His father, a prominent Soviet-era dissident and Georgia's first president, led the country between 1991 and 1992.
He was killed in Georgia's western region of Samegrelo on December 31, 1993, in circumstances that remain unclear.
